Load-shedding situation in Multan further aggravated on Thursday when the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) increased its load-shedding duration from two to six hours. Mepco sources told that the shortfall between demand and supply of electricity had increased to 1,700 Mw, which compelled the authority to increase duration of unscheduled load-shedding.
When contacted, the high ups of Pepco said they had directed all the distribution companies to strictly observe their energy conservation plans. In this regard, they added distribution companies have been directed to cut power supply to all advertising billboards and hoardings to help facilitate the domestic consumers.
They said that by cutting off electricity supply to gigantic hoardings installed across the country 500 Mw of power could be saved adding that if the situation remained out of control, the authority could switch off streetlights on alternate basis.
The Pepco officials further said there is a need to educate the consumers, who could play a vital role in power conservation plan of Wapda. Wapda is planning a comprehensive power conservation programme for which it is launching a media campaign across the country to educate the electricity consumers, they added.
They hoped situation would improve next month when Irsa would release more water from Mangla and Tarbela reservoirs, which would help increase power generation.