Lahore and other regions in Pakistan are currently grappling with a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by intense heat and unexpected power cuts. The power deficit has surged past 5,500 megawatts as of Saturday.

Electricity shortages have intensified due to a sharp rise in consumption. Power companies, including LESCO, are unable to keep up with the growing demand, leading to regular blackouts.

With temperatures climbing, Pakistan’s population of 240 million is experiencing an escalating energy shortage. Electricity usage has exceeded production, with the National Power Control Centre (NPCC) noting a demand of 25,500 megawatts against a generation of just 20,200MW. This has resulted in a shortfall exceeding 5,000MW and more frequent load shedding in both cities and rural areas.

City dwellers are enduring 4-6 hours of daily power cuts, plus an additional six hours for maintenance, while those in rural areas face over eight hours without electricity.

Regions with higher rates of power loss and theft suffer from 12 to 16 hours of load shedding.

The capital, Islamabad, and neighboring Rawalpindi are also experiencing four to six hours of power cuts for maintenance. Despite attempts to boost electricity production, the energy gap persists. Presently, hydropower contributes 6,200MW to the national grid, thanks to various dams and thermal power stations.

The energy sector’s circular debt has ballooned to $17.5 billion, presenting a formidable obstacle to both sector operations and the national economy. Immediate reforms are imperative to rectify inefficiencies and curtail the soaring debt, which is crucial for stabilizing the energy supply and easing Pakistan’s economic burden.

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