The industry circles have taken a sigh of relief, as for the first time over the last 10 years there was zero loadshedding on independent feeders at the advent of Ramazan. According to spokesperson of Power Division, demand for electricity stood at 19967 megawatt against a generation of 20500 megawatt, thus leaving the system with zero shortfall at the start of the holy month of Ramazan.
In case of continuity, said industry circles, the industry would keep production momentum up without lay off the workforce one shift. It may be noted that the distribution companies were committed to ensure power supply to the industrial feeders 24/7 during the holy month of Ramazan. Most of the DISCOs have fulfilled their commitment and ensured uninterrupted power supply to the industrial feeders despite a rise in mercury to around 40 degree Celsius.
However, the ministry sources said both the Peshawar Electric Power Company (PESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) had observed 35 and 37 percent load shedding of demand during the night falling before first of Ramazan.
Also, staff at some grids in the region of Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) was found sending messages to industry owners that load shedding would be observed from 6PM to 4AM. The issue was brought up to the knowledge of MEPCO high-ups, which took notice of the situation and foiled the efforts of blackmailing the industry by the grid staff.
Power sector sources also criticised the DISCOs for weak financial management, saying that the DISCOs had failed to ensure timely procurement of furnace oil and LPG to keep generation intact at some places.
However, there is a general consensus that factors like comparatively a cool month of April, water availability for hydel generation, and the induction of both coal-and-gas-based projects to the system have played a vital role in ensuring smooth supplies at the advent of the month of Ramazan.