Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Managing Director Fazal Ahmed on Friday has said that after the repair of two Sui gas pipelines blown up two days ago near Kashmoor, Wapda has returned to its normal power-cuts across the country.
He, while addressing a press conference said that the two pipelines supply gas to a Wapda power plant had forced the closure of the plant that resulted in additional power-cut of 800 MW. "After the restoration of the plant, now Wapda is facing with 4000 MW shortfall," he added.
However, he admitted that peak hour power shortage was still 4000 MW, which is not manageable presently. "The peak hour power demand on Wapda system is over 16750mw from production of 12750mw. However, load shedding is being carried out without any discrimination throughout the country," he added.
The MD PEPCO told the press that the Wapda had made alternate arrangements after suspension of gas supply. "Wapda run its power house on furnace oil and diesel and now the power supply from one line has restored and duration of load shedding has reduced," he added.
He said the gas supply of 100 mmcf to Kapco has been restored and 250 mw production from the powerhouses. Similarly, 45 mmcf gas supplies to the rental plants has been restored and gas supply to Faisalabad and Fauji Kabeerwala power houses also has been restored. Wapda had not been getting gas round the clock as the SNGPL provide gas to Wapda when it available into the system.
He urged the people to use power judiciously and conserve the energy for industrial and agricultural purpose. He said it is high time for the people from all strata of the society to co-operate with Wapda in the larger national interest. He called upon the media to help Wapda create awareness among the masses about the utility of the power.
Fazal Ahmad also said the government''s decision to close markets at 9pm and to advance clocks by one hour had helped the Wapda to save 600 MW. "All out efforts are being made on war footing manner through alternate sources to get rid of the menace of loadshedding," he said. "Energy saved under energy conservation plan had been supplied to the industry, including textile, power looms, ghee, flour mills and others; thus the duration of load shedding was not reduced for the general consumers," he added.
To a question, he said additional load shedding of 800MW during the last two days was due to damage to Sui gas pipelines and the situation has returned to normal load shedding. To another question, he said that National Power Control Centre (NPCC) had not been given more power to close power supply itself. On IPPs'' threat to stop power generations if its payments were not cleared, he said threats of IPPs were not serious and Wapda had been clearing their dues.