The need for electricity provided by the government has substantially declined as more and more individuals and businesses choose to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.
Numerous distribution companies (DISCOs) have notified the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) of the trend.
The exorbitant cost of government-supplied power is driving away consumers nationwide from the national grid. The use of solar energy by several individuals and businesses has resulted in a discernible decrease in the amount of power supplied by the government.
Nepra received data that shows a steady decrease in demand. While industrial power sales have climbed by 18% in Faisalabad, home electricity demand has declined by 11%. A 15% decline in industrial demand and a 3% decline in home consumption were recorded by Lahore Electric. In Gujranwala, the use of industrial power has decreased by 4.7% while home demand has decreased by 0.13%.
Industrial power usage in the B3 category decreased by 26%, according to Mapco. 9.1% less has been sold domestically in Peshawar, 3.2% less has been sold commercially, and 17.2% less has been sold industrially. Nonetheless, a decline in industrial demand was attributed by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (ISCO) to industry closures.
Officials from Nepra voiced their displeasure with Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) for withholding data, threatening legal action against the company.
The nation is now experiencing a 4,448 MW power deficit. Production is 20,884 MW, whereas the overall demand is 25,332 MW. The national grid receives 7,222 MW from hydropower sources, 786 MW from government thermal power plants, 7,960 MW from private sector power plants, and 1,121 MW from wind power plants.
The move away from costly government power and toward solar energy and other alternative sources is indicative of a larger trend in which businesses and consumers are trying to rely less on it.
