Owing to prevailing hot, humid and muggy weather conditions coupled with unscheduled prolonged power outages, the lives of the residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have become miserable. The factors that worsen the situation further for people include pre-monsoon mugginess, heat-related diseases and unchecked sale of unhygienic beverages. People are facing acute power cuts during the daytime when the average temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius. The overloaded grid stations are said to be the main cause of the power suspension in these days.
An SDO at the IESCO’s local compliant cell, Umair, told Pakistan Today that the electricity feeders trip when the power usage increases during hot conditions. He said power suspension is bound to occur wherever a large number of air conditioners are being used. “As soon as the weather turns pleasant normal power supply will resume”, he added.
Asghar Asif, a resident of sector G/10-3, said that so far the present summer has been worst for them as they are facing five to six hours of power loadshedding amid extremely hot weather. Naseema Umer, a housewife, said that power outages have disrupted routine of every household. She said repeated breakdowns and voltage fluctuation damage electrical appliances every other day.
Anwar, a resident of Sadiqabad, blamed government for the prevalent energy crisis. He said that despite repeatedly raised exorbitant power tariff, the end of outages is not in sight.
Mehtab Abbasi, a resident of G/11 said the power authorities could at least overcome their line losses by overhauling infrastructure.
When contacted, Metrological department Director General Arif Mehmood told Pakistan Today that due to an early spell of pre-monsoon rains, the temperature has risen to a record level. He, however, forecast that heavy rain is expected on Sunday (Today).
He hoped residents of northern areas including federal capital would enjoy a pleasant weather in a day or two.