Pakistan Power Crisis Deepens: Night-Time Load Shedding Increases Amid 4,500MW Shortfall

Pakistan Faces Increased Load Shedding as Hydropower Output Declines

Pakistan is once again experiencing a surge in load shedding, particularly during nighttime hours, as authorities struggle to manage a growing electricity shortfall. The Power Division has issued an apology to consumers, stating that the increased power outages are the result of reduced hydropower generation.

Officials have urged citizens to use electricity responsibly, especially at night, and adopt energy-saving habits to ease pressure on the national grid. The appeal comes after widespread complaints from across the country, where people reported longer outages than the previously announced 2.25 hours.

According to the power ministry, the situation worsened due to a sharp drop in hydropower production during peak evening hours. This decline significantly strained electricity supply and widened the gap between demand and available power.

Data shared by officials revealed that hydropower generation fell by nearly 1,991 megawatts overnight. This contributed to an overall shortfall of approximately 4,500MW, while peak electricity demand reached around 18,000MW.

The decrease in hydropower output has been linked to reduced water releases from major reservoirs. Currently, water distribution is being managed by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) based on provincial demand, which is lower compared to last year. Recent rainfall and ongoing harvesting activities have also reduced water requirements, leading to decreased dam outflows.

As a result, electricity distribution companies were forced to increase load management slightly beyond initial plans. While the government maintains that outages are mainly limited to nighttime, some areas have reported additional disruptions.

For instance, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has announced up to three hours of load shedding in the morning, contradicting earlier assurances.

Despite the ongoing challenges, officials remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming days. Expected increases in water releases from dams could help restore hydropower generation levels.

Additionally, better availability of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) is anticipated to support electricity production. However, global supply constraints and rising costs—partly due to disruptions in Qatar’s LNG production amid the Middle East conflict—continue to pose challenges.

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