Power shortfall remains over 3,000 megawatts despite mild mercury

Power shortfall remained above 3,000MW despite cloudy weather in Punjab during last 24 hours, showing alarming situation on the front of hydel generation with depleting water into dams. Power generation during last 24 hours stood at 1,0700MW against a demand of 13,702MW, leaving the system with a gap of 30,02MW. Power generation through hydel, thermal, IPPs and RPPs remained 2662MW, 1782MW, 6194MW and 62MW respectively. Meanwhile, supply to KESC remained 700MW.
An increase in power supply against yet a mild demand has resulted into long hours of forced electricity closures, some six to eight hours in urban and eight to 12 hours in rural areas. Prime Minister Gilani has announced to constitute government-industry energy council and has invited political advice on energy subsidies. Sources said this announcement might lead to two weekly off-days besides closing of markets by 8pm, which has already been rejected by the traders of Punjab.