The country is facing with a significant electricity shortfall of 5,900 megawatts as the summer heat intensifies.
Today’s power generation stands at 18,655 MW, while demand has surged to 24,555 MW.
Power Generation Category-Wise:
Hydropower Plants: 5,000 MW
Thermal Power Plants: 975 MW
Private Power Plants: 8,350 MW
Wind Power Plants: 790 MW
Solar Power Plants: 200 MW
Bagasse: 140 MW
Nuclear: 3,200 MW
Total: 18,655 MW
Sources indicate that the current shortfall is leading to more frequent load shedding across the country. Rural areas are experiencing 8 to 10 hours of load shedding, urban areas face 4 to 6 hours, and high-line loss areas endure 12 to 14 hours.
This prolonged load shedding is causing significant disruptions, especially in rural and high-loss areas, as the power sector struggles to meet the high electricity demand.
Meanwhile, the cost of fuel for power generation decreased by 10.1 percent year-on-year to an average of Rs. 9.21/unit in April 2024. During April 2024, the actual power generation was 20.4 percent lower than the reference generation. This decline in generation is expected to result in higher capacity charges for the fourth quarter of FY24 QTA, according to Arif Habib Limited.