The power distribution companies (DISCOs) are being protected by police against possible attack by angry consumers, as power shortfall has crossed 6000MW in the country again. According to the well-placed sources, heavy contingent of police have been deployed in and around leading DISCOs to avert any untoward situation once the mob gets out of control during protest.
It may be noted that the angry mob has been ravaging various DISCOs in recent past to avenge the severe load shedding in the country. Sources said the staff at different DISCOs is severely panicked due to the public wrath and every single megawatt increase in load shedding invites more worry to them. Many of them prefer to avoid office whenever abnormal load shedding is there.
The power load shedding has witnessed the unprecedented level of 8000MW in recent weeks with heavy cuts on fuel as well as water supply. The IPPs had also threatened to approach the International Court of Law to invoke sovereign guarantee against the government of Pakistan, leading to issuance of Rs 82 billion TFCs.
Pepco sources, however, maintained that power shortfall was 5500MW due to reduced water inflows to reservoirs of Mangla and Tarbela comparing with last year and increase in demand for power by 2000MW during last 24 hours amidst short supply of fuel to IPPs. Power generation through hydel, thermal and IPPs stood at 3559MW, 1440MW and 6165MW. Power supply to KESC remained 720MW during.