Loadshedding timings announced in Pakistan to control price hike

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced about 2.25 hours of daily load-shedding across Pakistan under a new plan called a “peak relief strategy”.

According to the Power Division, the main goal of this step is to stop electricity prices from rising sharply, which could otherwise increase by up to Rs. 6 per unit.

Officials said electricity production in the country is still enough overall, but the problem happens during peak hours from 5 PM to 1 AM, when demand becomes very high. In summer, less water flow also reduces hydropower generation.

To meet this extra demand, the system often has to use expensive fuels like furnace oil, which increases costs. To avoid this, the government has decided to temporarily cut power supply during peak hours.

The Power Division said the plan is being monitored directly by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure electricity prices do not rise too much.

Officials added that consumers may still see a small increase of around Rs. 1.5 per unit, but without these steps, the increase could have reached Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 per unit.

Electricity companies have been told to announce load-shedding schedules in advance so people can plan their daily activities.

The government said this is not regular load-shedding, but a temporary step to control costs and reduce pressure on consumers.

It also said better management and use of cheaper energy sources have already helped reduce electricity prices slightly in recent months, giving some relief to consumers.