Demand for government-supplied electricity has fallen significantly as consumers and industrialists switch to alternative energy sources, primarily solar power.
This trend has been reported to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) by several distribution companies (DISCOs).
Consumers across the country are disconnected from the national grid due to the high cost of government-supplied electricity. Many people and industries have relied on solar energy, which has led to a significant decrease in the consumption of electricity provided by the government.
Data sent to Nepra shows a steady decline in demand. In Faisalabad, domestic electricity demand fell by 11% despite an 18% increase in electricity sales. Lahore Electric reported a 15 percent decline in industrial demand and a 3 percent decline in domestic demand. Gujranwala saw a decline of 0.13% in domestic demand and 4.7% in industrial electricity consumption.
Mapco reported a 26 percent drop in industrial electricity demand in the B3 category. In Peshawar, domestic sales fell by 9.1%, commercial sales by 3.2% and industrial sales by 17.2%. However, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) cited industrial closures as the reason for the decline in industrial demand.
Nepra officials expressed their displeasure with the Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company (HESCO) for not providing information, hinting at possible action against HESCO.
Currently, the country lacks 4,448 MW of electricity. Total demand is 25,332 MW and production is 20,884 MW. Hydroelectric sources contribute 7,222 MW, government thermal power plants 786 MW, private power plants 7,960 MW, and wind power plants contribute 1,121 MW to the national grid.
The shift to solar power and other alternative sources represents a growing trend as consumers and industry try to reduce government dependence on expensive electricity.
