The electricity consumers have again started to brave long spells of load shedding again with the end of rains in major portion of Punjab. However, a substantial reduction in mercury, coming down to 33 degree centigrade from earlier 44 degree centigrade, has calmed down the air conditioners considerably, providing a cushion to the Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) to manage the load.
The Water and Power has maintained that the difference between demand and supply of load has reduced to 500 MW, which according to majority of power experts, is a false statement. It may be noted that the gap between demand supply had crossed 5000 MW back in June and July, which resulted in unprecedented load shedding across the country. Especially, the textile industry has braved worst-ever load shedding, compromising on its production volume and having a negative impact on exports.
The experts believe that the Water and Power ministry has failed to overcome the load shedding phenomenon and no further improvement in the situation is expected despite the fact that the federal Cabinet has approved the Rental Power Plants (RPPs) having generation capacity of 2,250 MW. They are of the view that the ministry as well as the Pepco is simply relying on the availability of some 5000 MW electricity to be available by coming December when all air conditioners would be silent until next summer. It may be noted that the air conditioners are consuming 5000 MW electricity.
These circles said generation of 2,250 MW electricity through rental power plants is a far-fetched idea and the government would not be able to have this amount of energy by December. Instead, they said, the rental power plants would not be able to add some 500 MW electricity to the system.
It may be noted that the national press has reported that the Cabinet members have also criticised the ministry of water and power for making false statements on overcoming the power shortage. Meanwhile, majority of the consumers have raised concerns over the phenomenon of over-charging through electricity bills and pointed out that the meter readers were making mockery of the situation by issuing exorbitant bills to the consumers.
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