The load-shedding-driven sleepless nights and disrupted daily routines of last summer are still haunting the people as the weather turns hot.
The situation has not improved since last year; indeed all the signs are that it is getting worse. Credit goes to brave Pakistanis for surviving through the winter despite 10-hour power and gas load-shedding.
Assuming optimistically that this will happen, we still have to devise ways in the interim to meet the electricity deficit in the country which has soared to over 40 per cent.
The challenge now is how to survive this summer and how to stop the crisis from getting worse. The solution lies in a collective national effort.
The current energy consumption trends in Pakistan are extremely inefficient. With minimal effort, well over 10 per cent of national electricity can be saved by applying only the first level of energy conservation, which is a change in attitude. The nation has to draw a clear line between necessities (lighting, fans, TVs, computers, etc) and luxuries (air conditioners, microwaves, etc).
Any such policy should be made at the highest level and its implementation should also begin there because charity starts at home. The common man would only be convinced of the looming crisis when he sees the ruling elite practise what it preaches.
If load-shedding is still unavoidable despite all these measures, KESC should organise the cuts in a sensible way to cause minimum discomfort. Load-shedding schedules should be properly planned and announced.
SAFIA MUQRI
Karachi