Fuel shortage forces increase in load shedding

Karachi: The Karachi Electric Supply Company has been constrained to temporarily increase the duration of load shedding in the residential and commercial areas of the City in view of the peak demand exceeding 2550 megawatts and minimal supply of gas, 180 MMCFD as against 230 MMCFD last June and 300 MMCFD in the same month of 2009.

According to the new load shedding schedule, in the zero or low loss areas, which are usually exempted of load shedding, three cycles of one hour each are being carried out; four cycles of 1.5 hour each in the medium loss areas; and, four cycles of 2 hours each in the high loss residential and commercial areas. Industrial areas continue to be exempted of load shedding as are the sensitive and strategic connections and installations.

The temporary increase in load shedding hours is strictly for the period when the KESC is receiving low gas supply from SSGC and normal load shedding plan will return as soon as gas supply increases, or if PSO agrees to extend KESC’s credit limit to buy furnace oil. The KESC is currently burning furnace oil worth Rs. 30 crore every day to fill the fuel supply gap in spite of its limited financial resources. The KANUPP has still not resumed supply while IPP Gul Ahmed is also not generating electricity because of oil shortage. The low gas pressure is also limiting and affecting power generation by KESC’s gas turbines.

For more information, contact:
Adil Murtaza
Assistant Manager, Media and PR
Karachi Electric Supply Company Limited (KESC)
2nd Floor, State Life Building No 11,
Abdullah Haroon Road, Saddar, Karachi
Tel: +9221 9920 7163
Cell: +92346 822 3641
Email: adil.murtaza@kesc.com.pk