RLNG shortages cut generation by 3,600MW as Pakistan manages electricity supply during peak night-time hours.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is carrying out temporary electricity load management of around one-and-a-half to three hours during night-time peak hours due to the non-availability of Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) and delays in the arrival of scheduled cargoes, the Power Division said on Saturday.
According to a spokesperson for the Power Division, the shortage of RLNG has reduced electricity generation by around 3,600 megawatts (MW), while generation from Mangla has also declined by 195MW.
The combined reduction in generation has created a temporary supply shortfall during peak evening and night-time demand, requiring load management to maintain stability in the power system.
Furnace oil plants operated to meet demand
The Power Division said furnace-oil-based power plants were being operated during peak hours to help meet electricity demand and minimise the impact of the RLNG shortage.
The spokesperson said the duration of load management would be reduced as soon as the delayed RLNG cargoes arrive.
Electricity consumers were also urged to moderate their power consumption during night-time peak hours to help reduce the need for temporary load management.
No daytime load management
The Power Division clarified that no load management is being carried out during daytime hours because of the temporary RLNG shortage.
However, areas experiencing load management because of high distribution losses will continue to receive electricity according to their announced schedules.
The spokesperson expressed regret to consumers over the temporary night-time disruption and attributed the situation to the non-availability and delayed arrival of scheduled RLNG cargoes.
The development highlights the power sector’s vulnerability to disruptions in fuel supplies, particularly during periods of peak electricity demand. The government is relying on alternative generation, including furnace oil plants, until RLNG supplies return to normal.