ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday took notice of increasing electricity load-shedding in various parts of the country and directed authorities to ensure that no area experiences power outages lasting more than two hours.
The prime minister issued the directives while chairing a review meeting on power load management amid growing concerns over electricity supply disruptions.
Officials briefed the meeting that electricity generation had declined because of the prevailing regional situation, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and transportation difficulties affecting the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
The reduced availability of RLNG had affected power generation, requiring authorities to carry out load management to maintain a balance between electricity demand and supply.
PM orders immediate measures over RLNG disruption
Taking into account the regional situation and future energy requirements, Shehbaz directed relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address disruptions in RLNG supplies.
He ordered that all available resources be utilised effectively to minimise the impact on electricity generation and ensure that no area faces load-shedding for more than two hours.
The prime minister also directed power distribution companies (Discos) to establish Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees to address public complaints related to electricity supply and other issues.
He instructed that the committees include representatives from the public and become fully functional within one week.
Power Crisis Deepens: Govt Announces Loadshedding, Warns of Possible Tariff Hike
Consumers can lodge complaints through helpline 118
The meeting was informed that electricity consumers across the country can register complaints through the 118 helpline.
Once a complaint is registered, consumers are provided with a token number along with an estimated timeframe for resolution.
The mechanism is intended to improve the response to electricity-related complaints and provide consumers with greater clarity about when their issues are expected to be resolved.
Officials also briefed the meeting on the impact of recent monsoon rains on electricity supplies.
According to the briefing, with the exception of six consumers in Rajanpur district, no electricity consumer across the country was currently facing a power supply disruption caused by monsoon rains.
The prime minister’s directives come as authorities continue to manage electricity demand amid regional disruptions affecting fuel supplies and power generation.
