Situation of Electricity in Pakistan
Pakistan is facing an important electricity crisis due to a shortfall in supply and high demand for power.
The country heavily depends on thermal power plants that run on oil and gas, which has caused difficulty for the country and its wealth. Pakistan has been facing power outages, load shedding for some years now.
The government of Pakistan has been taking steps to overcome this crisis by starting several power projects. These include the construction of new dams wind and solar power projects, and upgrading the existing power structure. The government has also signed agreement with other countries to import electricity to meet the country’s needs.
Extreme weather
Extreme weather events such as storm, dust devil, rain storm, and winter storms can cause significant damage to electricity fabric including power outages which can last for hours days or even weeks.
In addition to physical damage, extreme weather can also cause power outages due to increased demand for electricity. During heat waves, for example increased use of air conditioning can strain the power grid causing blackouts.
Extreme weather events can also impacts the production of electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind.
For example, severe storms can damage solar panels or disrupt wind turbines causing a decrease in electricity production.
Load Shedding Issue in Pakistan
Load shedding is a major issue in Pakistan that has been affecting the lives of people for many years. Load shedding refers to the deliberate power outage by the government to manage the electricity demand during peak hours. Pakistan has been facing severe electricity shortages for many years due to a lack of investment in the power sector, poor governance, and corruption. Due to the storage of electricity, load shedding has become a common practice in Pakistan
The electricity shortage has also affected the education sector in Pakistan. Students cannot study at night due to power outages, and they struggle to prepare for their exams. The health sector has also suffered due to the lack of electricity as hospitals cannot provide proper medical care during power outages.
The load shedding has severely affected the lives of people especially the ones who live in rural areas. It affects agriculture industry, and small businesses leading to economic losses.
Ways of Save Electricity
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Use energy ‑efficient light blubs.
- Install a programmable thermostat to regulate hating and cooling.
- Choose appliances with the ENERGY STAR label.
- Use natural light instead of overhead lighting.
- Unplug charges and appliances when not in use
- Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer.
- Turn down the water heater thermostat.
- Insulate windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Use a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
