PM Shehbaz takes notice of prolonged power cuts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of prolonged electricity load-shedding in different parts of the country and directed authorities to ensure that

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of prolonged electricity load-shedding in different parts of the country and directed authorities to ensure that power outages in any area do not exceed two hours.

The prime minister expressed concern over the increasing duration of load-shedding in various cities while chairing a meeting to review the country’s electricity load management situation.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed the current electricity supply and demand situation and discussed measures to minimise disruptions to consumers.

Officials briefed the meeting on the impact of the recent regional situation on the supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), a key fuel used for power generation. The meeting was informed that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and difficulties in transportation had affected the supply of RLNG.

The disruption in RLNG supplies has resulted in a decline in electricity generation, officials said. With the available power supply falling short of demand, authorities have been forced to carry out load management to maintain a balance between electricity generation and consumption.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the authorities to take immediate steps to address the disruption in RLNG transportation and ensure the availability of fuel for power generation.

He also ordered the effective utilisation of all available resources to minimise the impact of the RLNG supply constraints and improve electricity availability across the country.

The prime minister made it clear that consumers should not be subjected to prolonged power cuts, directing the authorities to ensure that load-shedding in any area remains limited to a maximum of two hours.

He further stressed the need for an effective mechanism to address public complaints regarding electricity supply and directed that public representatives should also be included in grievance redressal committees.

The prime minister ordered the authorities to make the grievance committees functional within one week so that consumers could receive timely responses to their complaints.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees will be established at the level of power distribution companies (DISCOs) across the country.

These committees will provide consumers with a formal platform to register complaints related to electricity supply and other service issues and seek their resolution.

Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that the committees operate effectively and that public complaints are addressed without unnecessary delays.

The meeting comes amid increased pressure on the country’s power system due to disruptions affecting RLNG supplies. The government has directed relevant institutions to make full use of available resources and take immediate measures to reduce the impact of the supply constraints on electricity generation.