News
Monday, August 18, 2008
Load shedding respite likely in Ramzan
* IRSA devises new plan for water release from September 1
By Zafar Bhutta
ISLAMABAD: A one-hour respite in load shedding for domestic consumers is on the cards in the month of Ramazan after an expected increase in water flow in Mangla Dam, sources told Daily Times on Sunday. The water level in the dam is still at a lower level compared to the corresponding period last year, causing 650 megawatts reduction in power generation. They said that the water level at Mangla currently stands at 1,195 feet against 1,202 feet last year and the lower water level was making it difficult for the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to reduce load shedding. Sources expected the water conservancy level in Mangla Dam to improve by the first week of September. The PEPCO is expecting to be able to reduce load shedding by one hour in Ramazan due to the expected increased water flows, sources added. IRSA: Sources claimed that IRSA has placed a new plan of water release from September 1, releasing 30,000 cusecs water from Mangla against the current releases of 10,000 cusecs. They added the power shortfall had reduced to 2,000 MW-3,500 MW per day from 3,500 MW-4,500 MW due to recent rains. They said that one nuclear power generation plant is closed for refuel placement for the last 20 days, causing a 300 MW shortage, and would remain closed for three months as per schedule. They further said that one power generation unit of Hub Power Company (HUBCO) was also close for the last five months and the said Independent Power Producer (IPP) was providing 845 MW of electricity against the required 1,200 MW. Sources informed that due to the hike in fuel prices, the IPPs were generating 4,000 MW of electricity per day against 5,728 MW as per agreement with the government.
Courtesy Daily Times