The government has reportedly shifted load shedding burden to rural areas to show Islamabad residents that there is no unscheduled load shedding in the country. Informed sources told Business Recorder that the shortfall on Monday was around 5000 MW as generation was 14,700 MW during the day and increased to 14,900 MW at peak hours. Of this, 6000 MW was hydel generation whereas remaining generation was from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and public sector generation companies (Gencos).
The sources further stated that the much talked about controversial Nandipur Power Project is not generating any electricity for the last two weeks whereas Guddu thermal power plant is producing 340 MW against capacity of 747 MW. Guddu complex is also dysfunctional due to non availability of gas with a potential capacity of 1200 MW. AES Pak-Gen 300 MW is also out of the system for the last two months because of 'bushing problems'.
An official told Business Recorder that on Sunday average demand was 17900 MW, however, he did not give generation figures of Sunday. According to the official, peak generation on Monday would be around 15800 MW. Hydel will touch 6700 MW, Gencos 2000MW and IPPs 7024 MW. He said 650 MW will remain on standby as per the merit order.