Pakistan: Worst power outages as shortfall crosses 7,000MW

The Frontier Post

People across the country are facing worst ever electricity load shedding this summer with power shortfall already exceeding 7,000MW and the duration of load shedding rising to 20 hours a day in most areas. Especially, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been subjected to prolonged and unscheduled electricity load shedding varying between 18 to 20 hours a day. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and other cities in Punjab are experiencing 18 to 20 hours of loadshedding. Continuous power outage has affected domestic life to a great extent and caused water shortage in many areas. Meanwhile, the traders and business outlets have also been hit hard by the load shedding. According to officials, Gaddu power station tripped yesterday affecting up to 1300 megawatt power generation. At present, the power supply across the country is 9,500 MW with demand around 16,500 MW.