PM orders maximum two-hour power cuts as RLNG disruption damages power generation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday took notice of the increasing energy load-shedding in different parts of the country, and ordered the authorities to guarantee that power outages in any location should not exceed two hours.

The prime minister made the decision when presiding over a high-level assessment meeting on electricity load management after complaints of protracted power disruptions in many cities.

Shehbaz voiced his disapproval over increased load-shedding and instructed the authorities responsible to use all resources at their disposal to minimize disturbance to power consumers in line with the Prime Minister’s Office.

Officials brief meeting on difficulties impacting supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) which is utilized as fuel by some power plants.

The meeting was briefed that RLNG supplies to Pakistan had been hampered due to regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the attendant transportation challenges, which resulted in lower electricity generation.

The officials said load control was important to maintain a balance between the demand for electricity and the supply available.

The prime minister urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the disruptions in RLNG shipment and make the best of the available energy resources.

He said load-shedding should be limited to an hour or two in any given location as the authorities look to address the current supply difficulties.

Ordered consumer complaint committees

Shehbaz also ordered the up of Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees at the level of the energy distribution companies (DISCOs) for resolution of public concerns regarding electricity supply and load management.

The prime minister stated that the committees should also have representation from the public so that customers can have a say in the complaint-resolution procedure.

The committees have been asked to make functional themselves within a week