The government has announced a Pakistan loadshedding plan involving around 2.25 hours of daily electricity cuts across the country. The decision aims to control rising electricity costs and prevent a sharp increase in power tariffs for consumers.
Officials say the move is part of a broader “peak relief strategy” designed to manage high electricity demand during peak evening hours while reducing reliance on expensive fuel sources.
Peak-hour demand pushes the power system under pressure
According to the Power Division, Pakistan’s electricity supply remains stable overall. However, demand spikes sharply between 5 pm and 1 am, placing heavy pressure on the system.
During these peak hours, the country often depends on costly generation methods such as furnace oil. Officials warn that continued use of these sources could increase electricity prices significantly for households and businesses.
The government explained that without intervention, power tariffs could rise by as much as Rs5 to Rs6 per unit. With the new strategy, authorities expect to limit the increase to around Rs1.5 per unit.
Planned outages to reduce the cost burden
Under the new plan, electricity distribution companies will implement scheduled load shedding of approximately 2.25 hours daily during peak hours. Officials say this step will help reduce fuel costs and stabilize the overall pricing structure.
The Power Division stressed that the decision does not represent routine or long-term loadshedding. Instead, it is a targeted measure designed specifically to manage peak demand and protect consumers from higher bills.
Authorities have instructed distribution companies to publish schedules in advance. They will also ensure that consumers receive timely updates in case of any technical faults or unscheduled outages.
Government says planning can reduce future price shocks
Officials highlighted that improved management of electricity demand has already helped reduce costs in recent months. They reported an average reduction of 71 paisa per unit between July and February, despite rising global fuel prices.
This reduction translated into nearly Rs46 billion in relief for consumers, according to government figures.
The Power Division also stated that better planning, system reforms, and reduced usage during commercial peak hours can further ease pressure on the grid. Authorities believe these steps may help prevent future tariff shocks.
Consumers urged to adjust usage patterns
The government has urged consumers to reduce electricity usage during peak evening hours. Officials say shifting heavy consumption to off-peak hours can help stabilize demand and reduce the need for extended outages.
They also emphasized the importance of energy conservation, especially in the summer season when hydropower generation drops and demand increases.
Authorities confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is directly monitoring the situation. The government has pledged to keep electricity prices as stable as possible despite global energy market pressures.
