5PM–1AM peak load shedding: Govt announces up to 2.25-hour daily outages

ISLAMABAD:The federal government has announced up to 2.25 hours of daily load shedding between 5:00 PM and 1:00 AM to manage peak electricity demand and prevent a sharp increase in power tariffs.

The Power Division spokesperson, in an important statement regarding the Peak Hours Relief Strategy, highlighted key developments in electricity pricing and demand management.

According to the statement, consistent efforts by the Power Division have led to a reduction in electricity prices for consumers across the country. From July to February, the average tariff has decreased by 71 paisa per unit despite rising fuel costs. This has resulted in a total relief of Rs 46 billion.

The reduction has been achieved through structural reforms, targeted relief measures, strict implementation of the merit order, improved planning and more efficient system operations. Priority has been given to low-cost generation sources, while better use of generation capacity and improvements in transmission and administration have helped reduce losses. These combined efforts have improved overall system performance and provided sustainable relief to consumers.

The spokesperson said that despite challenging global conditions, the country’s power generation remains stable. The system is capable of meeting electricity demand as required.

However, the main challenge at present is during peak hours from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am. During this time, demand increases significantly, mainly due to reduced hydel generation. Relying on expensive fuels to meet this demand could lead to a substantial increase in electricity prices.

Keeping this in view, the government has decided to suspend electricity supply for about 2.25 hours daily between 5:00 pm and 1:00 am. This step is aimed at reducing the use of costly fuels and preventing a sharp rise in tariffs, said the power division.

According to the spokesperson,the situation is being closely monitored under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. The government has directed that electricity prices must not increase sharply. Even if the use of furnace oil leads to some increase, all possible steps are being taken to keep it to a minimum.

In line with these directions, 80 MMCFD of local gas has been provided to power plants. This has helped avoid an increase of about 80 paisa per unit and has also reduced the need for additional load management.

He said that the limited load management of 2.25 hours during peak times is intended to prevent an increase of around Rs 3 per unit. Even with restricted use of furnace oil, there may still be an increase of about Rs 1.5 per unit. Without these measures, the increase could have reached Rs 5 to Rs 6 per unit.

Distribution companies have been directed to share feeder-wise outage schedules with consumers at all levels. This will ensure that consumers are aware of outage timings. No unscheduled outages will be allowed. In case of local faults, the concerned offices will inform consumers accordingly.

The government is making every effort to minimize the impact of international conditions on the public. All possible measures are being taken to provide relief to consumers.

The spokesperson clarified that this step is not load shedding. It is part of the government’s “Peak Relief Strategy” aimed at controlling possible increases in electricity prices during peak hours.

The government remains committed to providing maximum relief to the public despite global challenges. It will continue to take all necessary steps to keep electricity prices under control. Coordinated efforts by federal and provincial governments, including timely closure of commercial markets, can further reduce demand and help limit any potential increase in electricity costs, said the spokesman.

The spokesperson also said that the government has decided to avoid load management of one-and-a-half to two hours in HESCO and K-Electric, and cited the availability of ample low-cost electricity in the southern region. Both DISCOs do not rely on furnace oil, and cheaper power generated from alternative sources is being utilized within these systems, with the benefit being passed on to consumers to prevent unnecessary inconvenience, he added.