Power supply worsens in Punjab

Five to seven hours electric load-shedding is continuing in Punjab owing to three thousand MW electricity shortfalls in demand and supply. Sources told Business Recorder that hydel power generation has almost come to a halt as water discharges from the Tarbela and Mangla dams have been stopped due to annual canal closure for desilting purposes. The hydel power producing units contribute more than 9,200 against the demand of 12,500 MW leaving a deficit of 3,000 MW. Technical faults and smoggy weather are also cause of 0tripping the power plants. A LESCO spokesman told that the duration of unscheduled load-shedding has been cut short after normalization of the transmission and distribution system.