PM orders to limit load shedding to two hours

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday took notice of increased power outages in different parts of the country and directed the authorities concerned to ensure that load shedding in any area does not exceed two hours.

Chairing a meeting to review power load management, Shehbaz expressed concern over the increase in outages in various cities and ordered the effective use of all available resources to minimise disruptions to consumers.

The meeting was told that electricity generation had declined because recent regional tensions and difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz had disrupted the supply of RLNG, affecting the balance between electricity demand and supply and forcing authorities to undertake load management.

Shehbaz directed the authorities to take immediate measures to address possible disruptions to RLNG supplies in view of the regional situation and future energy requirements.

He also ordered the establishment of Consumer Grievance Redressal Committees at the level of distribution companies (DISCOs) to address public complaints relating to electricity transmission and other issues.

The prime minister directed that the committees should include public representatives and become operational within a week.

The meeting was informed that electricity consumers could lodge complaints through the 118 helpline. Upon registration, consumers are provided with a complaint token number and an estimated time for resolution.

Officials said electricity supply to consumers across the country was not currently being affected by monsoon rains, except for six consumers in Rajanpur district.

The prime minister was briefed on the overall power supply situation and measures being taken to manage demand amid difficulties affecting RLNG supplies.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Division Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials.