Power shortage crossed the barrier of 5,000MW, ringing alarm bells among consumers, particularly industrial sector where supply was disconnected altogether by Friday afternoon. Meteorological department had predicted dry weather for at-least next 48 hours, which meant substantial rise in mercury that would pave way for pressure of electronic appliances on the system.
Textile industry, solely dependent on Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) feeder, witnessed complete darkness by Friday evening and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) management sent an emergent communiqué to Pepco asking for relief.
Absence of fuel supply is being described as one of the prime reasons behind non-functional power plants. Pakistan State Oil is adamant to open oil supply to power plants only after payment of due bills. This situation is resulting into forced closures both in urban and rural areas where duration of power load shedding has crossed all limits.
According to Pepco sources, power generation stood at 9,465MW against a demand of 14,475MW, resulting into a shortfall of 5,010MW. Generation through hydel, thermal, IPPs and RPPs stood at 2,585MW, 1,396MW, 5,333MW and 151MW respectively. Power supply to KESC remained 650MW.