LAHORE – Following in footsteps of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has blamed the foggy weather for the increase in load shedding. The city witnessed six to 10 hours of load shedding on Thursday while gas pressure remained very low in all areas of the provincial metropolis. Almost all areas are facing massive load shedding, adding to the miseries of the masses. Citizens complained that they bought electric heaters due to gas closure but now load shedding had forced them to shiver in the cold.
Consumers criticised PEPCO for failing to control load shedding and said that the company had not given any schedule for load shedding and electricity was closed without any intimation. “PEPCO and LESCO are playing a hide and seek with consumers, as one day there is very less load shedding and the very next day, electricity is closed for two to three hours consecutively,” said citizen Sameer Ahmed adding that now PEPCO was falsely blaming dense fog for the situation. “I wonder how it is possible that the electricity shortfall has increased due to fog,” an electric engineer asked. Gas shortage also continued to irk citizens. “I have purchased an electric heater for preparing meals but there is no electricity during lunch and dinner hours,” said housewife Fariha Khan.
Motorists continue to suffer as CNG stations remained closed all day. Consumers said that they are using alternative sources but now they have also become expensive. “LPG is very expensive while kerosene oil prices have also been increased and it has disturbed our monthly budget,” said businessman Moin Malik adding that he is using petrol for running his car and it is burdening his pocket. In a meeting chaired by PEPCO Managing Director (MD) Rasul Khan Mahsud, it was agreed that power production is suffering due to dense fog prevailing in the country. The MD was informed that the Engro Thermal Power Plant, Liberty Power Plant and a few machines of the Guddu Power Plant have been affected resulting in an unexpected reduction in power generation. He was informed that the situation is likely to improve on Thursday night. The PEPCO MD is closely monitoring the situation and has deputed DG (EM&C) to report to him regularly about the power situation. He also directed the GM Thermal to remain in touch with management of thermal power plants and remove any bottlenecks to ensure efficient and uninterrupted working of power plants.
