Electricity crisis in Pakistan is a severe challenge for the whole population. Not only regular consumers but industries have been affected resulting in heavy losses and eventual closure. Unemployment is rampant and the already frail economy is suffering.
Protests are constantly held and even though masses call out for immediate help, nothing is being done to rectify this situation. Every section of society, from students to hospital patients, are suffering but the government does not meet their demands as there is a shortage in power generation.
The government continues to state that long-term projects to enhance power generation are in place, which will take four to five years to start. The government has also claimed that it has undertaken hydel projects that would ensure 26,000 MW in 10 years time.
Even though there are hours of loadshedding, the electricity generation units are getting more expensive. Pakistan’s energy production relies heavily on expensive furnace oil and there is also increased load on gas. With interruption in supply of furnace oil and gas loadshedding it becomes impossible for energy generation to continue at the required pace.
The circular debt has not been dealt with for the fourth year in a row which, in turn, accounts for periodic inability of oil marketers to import fuel for the generating plants leading to over 16 hours of loadshedding. Also the government does not focus on reducing transmission line losses which lead to energy shortfall.
The best solution for tackling this energy crisis is the utilisation of rental power plants (RPPs). Not only these RPPs help in meeting the energy shortfall, they will also generate employment for our local population.
RPPs utilise resources in the optimum manner; they take up no land, will not utilise tank lorry traffic and there are no transmission line losses. They are also typically implemented within 4-6 months.
MASOOMA IMRAN
Karachi