LAHORE: The load shedding of 8 to 10 hours in urban areas, while 15 hour power outages in rural settlements persist in consequence of 3500 megawatt electricity deficit.

PEPCO is currently obtaining 9,100 MW electricity, a dreadfully low collective generation from hydel and thermal plants.

Various thermal power plants have been closed owing to lack of gas and furnace oil supply as well as provision of funds, while a collective generation of electricity by Tarbela, Mangla and Ghazi Barotha has declined to 2100 MW. The capacity is feared to diminish further with shrinking water flow.

With an aim to overcome the deteriorating power situation, PEPCO has been carrying out unannounced load shedding, which is affecting the domestic and commercial activities of the subscribers.

Sources at PEPCO said that the situation is better now and efforts are being made to bring the closed plants in operation to plug the deficit.

According to PEPCO sources, 600 MW electricity per day is being ensured to Karachi despite the current power crisis.