PESCO says consumers may face an extra 2–3 hours of outages over the next few days due to lower generation and a widening supply gap.
Key Takeaways
- PESCO says many areas may see an extra 2–3 hours of outages on top of routine load management over the next few days.
- The utility calls it “forced load management,” linking it to a noticeable drop in electricity generation.
- Even Category 1–3 feeders, usually treated as exempt, may face 2–3 hours of outages during this period.
- PESCO blames higher fuel prices and shortages for the generation shortfall and says the step is temporary.
- Consumers can check area-wise timings through PESCO’s official load shedding schedule.
What PESCO Announced And Why It Matters
The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has announced additional hours of electricity outages across its service region over the next few days, citing a shortfall in power generation. In its Tuesday statement, the utility said that beyond the existing load management plan, consumers may experience a further two to three hours of outages whenever required.
PESCO described the move as “forced load management,” which signals that the extra outages are being applied to stabilise the system when generation drops and demand remains high. For households and businesses, this matters because it increases uncertainty around working hours, water pumping, internet connectivity, and small commercial activity that depends on steady electricity.
How The Extra Outages Will Be Applied Across Feeders
PESCO said the additional load management will be used as needed, meaning the extra two to three hours may not be identical in every locality or every day. This approach is typically used when the supply situation fluctuates and the utility needs flexibility to balance the grid across different pockets of demand.
A major concern for consumers is that feeders in Categories 1, 2, and 3 may also face outages during this period. These categories are generally treated as exempt and are often associated with uninterrupted electricity, so any interruption on these feeders tends to be felt more sharply by areas that usually plan routines around stable supply.
If your area falls into a higher-priority feeder category, the update still suggests you should plan for interruptions, especially during peak hours. For businesses, it is a signal to review backup arrangements, fuel availability for generators, and scheduling for high-load tasks.
What PESCO Says Is Driving The Generation Shortfall
PESCO attributed the situation mainly to the global economic crisis, saying it has pushed fuel prices higher and created shortages. Because fuel remains a key input for electricity generation, the utility said rising costs and limited availability have reduced overall power supply and widened the gap between demand and generation.
In Pakistan’s power system, fuel-driven generation constraints can quickly translate into distribution-level load management. When the system cannot meet demand, utilities typically reduce load through planned and unplanned outages to prevent broader instability and to maintain frequency and voltage within safe operating limits.
For consumers, the immediate takeaway is that the issue is being framed as supply-side, not area-specific performance. That means even well-performing feeders may face cuts if generation remains below what the system needs to serve the region reliably.
When Normal Supply May Return And How To Check Timings
PESCO said the additional outages are temporary and that normal power supply will resume once electricity generation improves and the balance between demand and supply is restored. This indicates the duration is tied to generation recovery rather than a fixed calendar schedule, so the situation may improve quickly if supply stabilises or extend if constraints persist.
To reduce disruption, consumers are advised to check the updated load shedding schedule for area-wise timings through PESCO’s official website. If your locality faces repeated interruptions, reviewing the schedule can help you shift key activities—like charging devices, running water motors, or completing office work—to lower-risk hours.
As a practical step, households can keep basic backup options ready, including charged power banks, stored drinking water, and emergency lighting. Small businesses can also plan customer-facing work around expected outage windows and keep communication channels active for clients who may also face connectivity issues.
