Pepco officials are facing health problems due to a constant stress of running from pillar to post to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Sehri and Iftar. However, still to no avail, as major thermal units including Kepco and Lal pir remained closed due to short supply of fuel.
Power generation, accordingly, has reduced to 13000MW against Pepco officials expectations of an average generation of 15000MW during Ramazan. The demand, on the other hand, is hitting through the roof, touching 18000MW, leaving the Pepco officials cutting sorry figures in front of quarters concerned. Sources said the Pepco as well as Discos officials are under a strong stress due to their inability to meet public expectations during the month of Ramazan.
Ejaz Rafique Qureshi, DG and spokesman Pepco, suffering from heavy flu attack, said the generation has failed to meet with the demand, having domino effect on Pepco's pro-Ramazan expectations of 15000MW. Blaming the PSO for chaotic situation, Qureshi said major power plants including Kepco have reached zero generation due to fuel problem. He said PSO was dilly-dallying on supply front, saying the supply is in the transit, despite the fact Pepco has paid Rs 400 billion recently. According to him, all requests are falling on deaf ear of PSO officials.
Power situation turned gruesome on Friday, paving the way for forced closure after every alternate hour in the city. Meanwhile, the industry productions almost come to halt due to a flat denial of power supply by the Discos. Domestic consumers, particularly the housewives, are irked by the non-availability of electricity during Sehri and Iftar. Long hours loadshedding in the night adding fuel to the fire, as the domestic consumers are being deprived of sleep and rest amidst full of humidity and hot weather. Meanwhile, hefty electricity bills, swelling with every passing month, are causing stress to many.
The Pepco officials, however, also criticise the consumers for rampant use of air conditioners, sucking some 5000MW electricity directly from the system, during a crisis like situation. According to Pepco officials, the domestic consumers are least bothered about the power conservation, inviting trouble for them because of their carefree attitude.
However, the consumers are unhappy with the Pepco as well as the government for giving false hope regarding uninterrupted power supply during Sehri and Iftar. Meanwhile, the public as well as industry representatives have started criticising government for its failure in controlling power crisis.