ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at shielding consumers from a steep rise in electricity prices, the government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced approximately 2.25 hours of daily loadshedding across the country as part of a targeted “peak relief strategy.”
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Managing Demand to Control Costs
According to the Power Division, Pakistan currently has sufficient electricity generation capacity to meet overall demand. However, the real pressure emerges during peak hours—between 5pm and 1am—when consumption spikes sharply.
This seasonal surge is further intensified by reduced hydropower generation during the summer months, forcing authorities to rely on more expensive alternatives such as furnace oil-based power generation. Officials warned that continued dependence on these costly fuels could have pushed electricity tariffs up by as much as Rs5 to Rs6 per unit.
The Strategy Behind Loadshedding
To avoid such a scenario, the government has opted for controlled, short-duration power outages during peak hours. The daily loadshedding of around 2.25 hours is designed to reduce overall demand and limit the use of high-cost fuel sources.
While the measure may still result in a modest increase of about Rs1.5 per unit, officials stressed that it significantly mitigates what could have been a much larger financial burden on consumers.
The initiative is being implemented under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Sharif, who has instructed relevant authorities to prioritize price stability while ensuring efficient power management.
Implementation and Public Coordination
Electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) have been directed to provide advance loadshedding schedules to consumers and strictly adhere to announced timings. Authorities have also committed to informing the public in case of any unplanned outages caused by technical faults.
The government has emphasized that this is not routine loadshedding, but a temporary and calculated step aimed at managing peak demand and preventing excessive tariff increases.
Broader Energy Reforms and Relief Measures
Officials highlighted that ongoing reforms in the energy sector have already contributed to easing financial pressure on consumers. Between July and February, improved system management and increased reliance on lower-cost energy sources helped reduce electricity prices by an average of 71 paisa per unit—translating into a cumulative relief of Rs46 billion.
Authorities believe that further demand-side management, including better planning and early closure of commercial markets, could play a key role in stabilizing the power sector and avoiding future price shocks.
Looking Ahead
The government reiterated its commitment to minimizing the impact of global fuel price volatility on domestic consumers. While the current loadshedding measure may cause short-term inconvenience, officials argue it is a necessary trade-off to prevent a far more significant increase in electricity costs.
As energy demand continues to rise, the effectiveness of this “peak relief strategy” will likely determine whether Pakistan can strike a sustainable balance between affordability and supply stability.
