Hydropower generation hits 6,000MW, easing power supply pressures

The Power Division said that hydropower generation reached 6,000MW during peak hours on Tuesday night, improving the electricity supply and supporting grid stability. Higher hydel output, along with additional local gas supply to certain power plants, helped increase overall generation and reduce pressure on the system.

The improved supply enabled transmission of 500MW from the southern region to the national grid, while an additional 100MW was added through enhanced generation.

Officials said distribution companies carried out load management of 25 minutes to one hour during peak hours. After 8:00 pm, load shedding was largely halted as demand declined due to improved weather conditions.

The Power Division said load management on high-loss feeders continues under the Economic Load Management Policy and is not linked to peak-hour supply constraints.

However, around 5,000MW of generation capacity remains unavailable due to limited LNG supply in the international market. Officials said improved LNG availability and higher water releases are expected to reduce the shortfall, particularly during nighttime hours.