KARACHI – Pakistan is once again facing heightened energy crisis after a widescale power breakdown took place Monday night, triggering a shortfall exceeding 6,000 megawatts.
According to media reports, the high transmission lines of the National Transmission and Despatch Company tripped, affecting the entire country except Karachi.
The ministry of water and power has advised the public to consume electricity cautiously as all four Chashma power plants of 1200 megawatts have tripped overnight.
According to the ministry sources, three 3600-megawatt LNG power plants, Haveli, Bhikki and Baloki, have also been shut down for testing purpose.
Moreover, a unit of Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Project with a capacity 969MW, which was inaugurated on April 13 this year has also ceased to function.
The spokesman of the power division claimed that Chashma’s plants one and two could be operational by evening today whereas restoring the other two will take extra time.
“Chashma’s plants one and two can be operational by evening. However, it will take time to restore the other two.” said the official.
The power crisis has worsened the plight of heat-stricken Pakistanis as power distributors are carrying out load-shedding, keeping in mind high and low loss areas.
