Energy crisis deepens

The country''s energy crisis has further deteriorated this summer due to gradual increase in demand verses generation with consumers facing 8-10 hours load shedding in urban areas and 16-hours in rural areas. However, the Ministry of Water and Power, which is responsible for providing "authentic" figures to the public claims that load shedding in urban areas was 4-6 hours and in rural areas 8 hours, whereas industry connected to dedicated feeders is exempted from load shedding.
According to official figures on May 12, 2016 generation was recorded at 14649 MW while on May 12, 2017, generation stood at 15437 MW, which shows an increase of 788 MW or 5.38 percent increase. This implies that generation is almost 4 per cent less than the average increase in demand of 8-10 per cent, hence accounting for a rising gap in demand and supply.
Officials also claim that the scheduled load management in 2016 was 3,807 MW by Discos whereas in 2017 it was 3,565 MW, showing a reduction of 6.35 percent. The demand figures always create confusion in the government, consumers and energy sector experts. The government claims that on May 12, 2017 demand was recorded at 19,868 MW as compared to 18,699 MW on the same date last year, showing a growth of 6.2 percent.
On the contrary, energy sector experts maintain that demand figures are grossly understated vis-à-vis generation which is evident from the volume of load shedding. Talking at Aaj News programme "Paisa Bolta Hay" with Anjum Ibrahim, former Member (Energy) Planning Commission Shahid Sattar also challenged the demand figures of the government.
He said price of electricity for industry is higher as compared to India, Bangladesh and China due to which Pakistan''s exports are uncompetitive in the world market. The Ministry of Water and Power claims that 525 MW Nandipur Power project is on line after conversion to gas and Pakistan''s first largest imported coal-fired power plant in Sahiwal has started operation. First unit is synchronised with national grid on May 12, 2017 and is ahead of schedule. Its initial successful load is 100 MW which was increased to 660 MW after a few hours.
According a spokesman of Water and Power Ministry, generation was 16803 MW at 8pm, which is highest figure during this season. Total demand was recorded at 20470 MW against the generation of 16803 MW, showing a shortfall of 3667 MW. Of this hydel generation was 5148 MW, Genco''s 2736 MW and IPPs 8919 MW.