Power shortfall rise to 5,005 MW

ISLAMABAD: The power crisis has intensified once again, as the shortfall has risen 5,005 megawatts.

Citizens braving the scorching heat of summer and fasting in this holy month of Ramazan will have to undergo further increase in the duration of loadshedding and frequent power breakdowns.

Energy Management Cell spokesman attributed this swelled up shortfall to short supply of furnace oil to power stations besides the closure of the Chashma-I and Chashma-II plants. He said that PSO has cut down the supply of furnace oil due to non-payment and power stations were currently receiving 20,000 tons of furnace oil instead of 38,000 tons.

This has brought the countrywide power production to 12,000 megawatt only, while the demand peaks at 17,500 MW, he said.

Power shortfall went up by 650 MW due to the closure of Chashma-I and Chashma-II. Prolonged and unannounced loadshedding for 13 hours in the cities and for 16 hours in the rural areas are being carried out to meet the increasing shortfall, while the people will have to keep fast without sehri and pass sleepless dark nights due to power outage.

AQ