Power outages return to haunt Pindiites

Rawalpindi
With gradual rise in temperature during past few days, the phenomenon of unscheduled loadshedding has returned to haunt residents of different localities of Rawalpindi who are facing 8 to 10 hours loadshedding. While in rural areas 10 to 12 hours of loadshedding is being implemented by the power authorities during the last couple of days.
According to NTDC sources, electricity shortfall has reached 4,200 MW. Electricity demand is 13,900 MW against the supply of 9,700 MW, the sources said.
Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) senior official Muhammad Rizwan told ‘The News’ that loadshedding during past few days is increasing because of change in weather as well as diversion of water supply from major dams to fulfil agricultural needs, which has led to reduced power generation. He also said that majority of people have started using fans, air coolers and air conditioners as well therefore they were facing difference in demand and supply for some days.
Residents of Soan, Shakriyal, Gulistan Colony, Dhoke Chiragh Din, Al-Mumtaz Colony, Pirwadhai, Humak Town, Sihala, Dhoke Ratta, Satellite Town, Dhoke Awan, Gora Syedan, Adiala Road, Khanna Dak, Kurri, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Tipu Road, Dhoke Juma, Adrra, Tench Bhatta, Kotha Kalan, Sher Zaman Colony, Hardo Gher, Kak Pul, Niazian, Bagan and some other localities were facing 8 to 10 hours unscheduled loadshedding for past few days. While some of the areas are facing 12 hours un-scheduled loadshedding for a couple of days. The residents of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are yet enjoying pleasant weather because of excessive rain in previous days. But, with the rise of temperature the residents of these localities are facing around 8-10 hours of loadshedding while those living in rural areas around Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing around 12 hours of power outages. Similarly, majority of people continuously visiting electronics markets to buy UPS and generators to avoid load shedding in coming days in peak summer season.
Majeed Ahmed, a resident of Pirwadhai said that they were facing one-hour loadshedding after every two hours in during day and night for past couple of days. “I wonder what would happen in peak summer season,” he said.
Yasmeen Khanum, a working woman said that in winter season majority of people used gas cylinders and now they would use UPS or generators in peak summer season. Government should adopt a strong policy to provide at-least basic needs like gas, electricity and clean drinking water, she appealed.