ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif on Wednesday claimed that 6500 megawatt power will be added to electricity system by the end of this year.
Responding to a calling attention notice in the National Assembly (NA), Khawaja Asif said that currently the country is facing power shortfall of 5200 megawatt however, the electricity supply situation will gradually start improving from today (Thursday).
He added that the ongoing severe power crisis will be overcome in the next eight to ten days after which there will be no unannounced load shedding after the 1st of next month. “I will be answerable if I fail to include electricity in the grid,” he continued. The minister said that Bhikki Power Plant of 760 megawatt is being inaugurated in Sheikhupura whereas some power plants of 2200 megawatts are closed for the maintenance purpose.
It is observed that total demand for electricity has surged to 17000MW due to extreme rise in the temperature whereas, around 10,000MW energy is being produced only. The urban areas are undergoing 12 hours of power cut whereas rural areas are facing 14 to 18 hours of outages.
Officials said the coming days are very crucial as shortfall may fluctuate up to 8000MW with the demand mounting to 22000MW during June-July 2017.
INP