Pakistan loadshedding hours announced under the government’s new peak relief strategy will bring around 2.25 hours of daily power suspension as authorities try to prevent a sharper rise in electricity tariffs. The federal government says electricity generation remains stable and sufficient overall. However, demand rises sharply during peak hours from 5 pm to 1 am, creating pressure on the system and increasing the risk of using more expensive fuel sources.
The Power Division said the temporary daily outages are intended to reduce reliance on high-cost generation, especially furnace oil. Without this measure, officials say electricity prices could have increased by Rs5 to Rs6 per unit. With the strategy in place, consumers may still face a smaller rise of around Rs 1.5 per unit.
The government has described the move as a targeted financial relief measure rather than routine load shedding. It says the objective is to contain consumer costs amid global energy pressure.
The main challenge appears during evening peak hours, when power demand climbs significantly. At the same time, reduced hydropower generation during the summer season is making it harder to meet that demand with cheaper sources. As a result, authorities say the use of costly fuel-based generation would put extra pressure on tariffs. [Internal link: why summer power demand rises in Pakistan]
The statement adds that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is directly monitoring the policy and has instructed officials to stop electricity prices from rising excessively.
Distribution companies have been directed to provide load-shedding schedules to consumers in advance and to adhere to the announced timings. If any unscheduled outage happens due to a technical fault, consumers will be informed separately. That advance notice is meant to help households and businesses prepare for the daily 2.25-hour interruption.
Officials also said planning improvements, system reforms and greater use of low-cost energy sources helped reduce electricity prices by an average of 71 paisa per unit between July and February. The total relief of Rs46 billion despite higher global fuel costs. The government also said that better market closing times and improved demand management could further reduce pressure on the system.
