Nighttime load management increases after 1,991MW drop in hydropower generation

ISLAMABAD:The Power Division on Wednesday stated that due to reduced hydropower generation, electricity distribution companies carried out load management beyond the announced schedule, and apologized for the additional outages.

A sharp 1,991MW drop in hydropower generation has pushed the country’s peak-hour electricity shortfall to around 4,500MW, and forced the power distribution companies (DISCOs) into unannounced load management, the Power Division spokesperson said, while issuing an apology to consumers.

The spokesperson stated that the sudden decline in hydel generation during last night’s peak hours disrupted the planned supply-demand balance, compelling power distribution companies (DISCOs) to exceed the load management schedule.

According to official figures, electricity demand during peak hours reached approximately 18,000MW, while reduced hydel output created a significant gap, resulting in an estimated shortfall of 4,500MW.

The decline in hydropower generation has been attributed to reduced water releases from major reservoirs, as provinces have demanded less water compared to last year. Authorities explained that water discharge from dams is being managed by IRSA strictly in line with provincial requirements, which remain low due to ongoing crop harvesting and recent rainfall.

The spokesperson expressed regret over the additional, unannounced load shedding, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to consumers. “We apologize for the extra load management necessitated by reduced hydel availability,” the statement said.

To mitigate the situation, load management has been restricted to nighttime hours only, while no shortfall is being reported during the daytime.

The Power Division expressed optimism that the situation will improve in the coming days, as water releases from dams are expected to increase, leading to higher hydel generation. Additionally, improved availability of RLNG is also likely to support electricity supply.

Consumers have been urged to minimize electricity usage during peak night hours and adopt energy conservation practices to help ease the burden on the power system.