ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of prolonged power outages being reported in different parts of the country and directed authorities to ensure that load shedding does not exceed two hours in any area.
The prime minister chaired an important review meeting on electricity load management, during which he expressed concern over the increasing duration of power outages in several cities.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif instructed the authorities to ensure that no area experiences more than two hours of load shedding.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the availability and supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) amid the recent regional situation. The briefing highlighted difficulties affecting the supply and transportation of RLNG.
Officials said tensions and transportation-related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz had affected RLNG supplies. The disruption in gas supplies subsequently contributed to a reduction in electricity generation, creating pressure on the balance between electricity demand and supply.
As a result, authorities have been forced to undertake load management in order to maintain stability in the national power system.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address disruptions in RLNG transportation and ensure the effective utilization of all available resources.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that consumers should not face more than two hours of electricity load shedding in any area.
The prime minister also ordered measures to improve the system for addressing public complaints regarding electricity supply.
According to the official statement, Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees will be established at the level of electricity distribution companies, commonly known as DISCOs. These committees will be responsible for addressing complaints and concerns raised by electricity consumers.
The prime minister further directed that the committees should include public representation, ensuring that consumers have a direct role in raising and resolving electricity-related grievances.
He instructed the relevant authorities to make the grievance committees fully operational within one week.
The government’s latest directives come amid growing concerns over power outages in several parts of Pakistan. The authorities have attributed the increased need for load management to disruptions in RLNG supplies and the resulting impact on electricity generation.
The prime minister’s instruction to limit load shedding to two hours is intended to provide relief to consumers while officials work to stabilize fuel supplies and electricity generation.
The government has also emphasized the need to make maximum use of available energy resources and improve coordination among relevant institutions to minimize the impact of supply disruptions.
The establishment of consumer grievance committees is expected to provide electricity users with a formal mechanism for reporting excessive outages and other problems related to power distribution.
Officials will now be responsible for implementing the prime minister’s directives, including maintaining the two-hour maximum limit on load shedding and activating the grievance committees within the specified one-week period.
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