The News reported that gas supply squeeze to independent power producers has exacerbated the power crisis in the country forcing 10 and 12 hours of outages in urban and rural areas respectively.

According to the briefing on daily power generation and load management there was a shortfall of 6,000 MW electricity against a whooping demand of 18,861 MW. The hydel generation stood at 6,495 MW, WAPDA thermal 1,366 MW, IPPs 4,794 MW and Renal 144 MW.

As many as 740 MW was supplied to Karachi Electric Supply Company. The small IPPs have been completely closed down due to shortage of fuel supply. The consumers are also facing brunt of the unscheduled load management due to surging power shortfall.

Meanwhile, the duration of load management in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has also been increased and even unscheduled power outage is being observed.

The Tarbela and Mangla dams had attained their maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet and 1,210 feet, respectively and more water is also being released to get maximum hydel generation to meet the shortfall. The power demand has also increased due to rise in the mercury, which is standing at 18,861 MW.

(Sourced from www.thenews.com.pk)