ISLAMABAD: Reduced hydel generation, tripping in multiple grid stations of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and shortage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) amid chilling weather season have triggered widespread load shedding across the country.
The root cause of demand and supply disruption was attributed to the adverse weather conditions, primarily dense fog, reduced hydel generation, tripping in multiple grid stations of DISCOs and the less availability of LNG for the power generation.
With the power deficit persisting, concerns loom over potential disruptions in commercial and industrial activities in the coming days, reflecting the dire impact of this energy crisis on everyday life.
According to power division, in an unexpected turn of events on the 25th and 26th of December, the Multan region, along with other Distribution Companies (DISCOs), experienced a series of grid station trippings that triggered widespread load shedding. The root cause of this disruption was attributed to the adverse weather conditions, primarily dense fog, which led to the tripping of crucial grid stations operating at 132kv, 220kv, and 500kv.
During same time the hydel generation plummeted creating constraints to balance the system. The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) system is facing a challenging time due to these extreme weather conditions and low hydel generation. Current shortfall in generation is mitigated by load management to keep the system working, said the power division.
Shortfall due to hydel is around 1600MW due to canal closure and 700MW is due to less LNG availability, power division added.
Power Division is trying to minimise this shortfall and furnace oil is being used to mitigate the LNG shortage and to generate 800MW, said power division, adding, that the load shedding was due to system constraints and efforts are in place to manage the system.
According to sources, all parts of the country are bearing the brunt of 10 to 14 hours power load shedding as electricity shortfall has increased to 3000 MW to 5000MW amid extreme weather conditions coupled with dense fog in major parts of the country.
It is relevant to note that the power division, despite repeated efforts, has not shared the facts and figures pertain to the country’s total actual electricity generation with different sources, and the figures related to total power demand, supply and shortfall of the electricity during the cold weather season till the filing of this story.  Â
As per details, the extreme weather conditions not only hampered the stability of the grid but also had a significant impact on hydel generation. During this critical period, hydel generation plummeted, adding further strain to an already challenged system. The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) found itself grappling with the dual challenges of grid instability and reduced hydel generation, creating a precarious situation for the power supply.
A major factor contributing to the current power deficit is the closure of canals, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 1600MW in hydel generation. This unforeseen consequence of canal closures has compounded the challenges faced by the power sector. Additionally, a decrease in the availability of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) further exacerbated the power crisis, accounting for a deficit of 700MW.
To counter the impact of these challenges, the Power Division has initiated strategic measures. In a bid to minimize the hydel shortfall, efforts are underway to explore alternative means and swiftly address the canal closure issue. Simultaneously, the shortage in LNG availability is being mitigated by utilizing furnace oil to generate an additional 800MW.
Load shedding, a consequence of the overarching system constraints, has become an unfortunate reality amid cold weather season across the country. However, the Power Division is actively engaged in load management strategies to ensure the system remains operational.
Energy experts said that the on-going power situation has been calling for a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the weather conditions, hydel generation constraints, the availability of essential resources for power generation, and the smooth operation of the entire power system of the country.
As stakeholders work tirelessly to navigate this intricate web of challenges, it underscores the need for a resilient and adaptable energy infrastructure that can withstand unforeseen circumstances. The ongoing efforts to manage the system and address the root causes of the current power crisis reflect the commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the affected regions.
The dense fog that enveloped the Multan region ( the jurisdiction of Multan Electric Power Company) and other DISCOs played a pivotal role in the tripping of grid stations. Fog, with its high moisture content, can create conductive paths between electrical components, leading to short circuits and, in extreme cases, trippings. The 132kv, 220kv, and 500kv grid stations, critical components of the power infrastructure, were particularly susceptible to the adverse weather conditions, resulting in a cascading effect on the entire grid.
The unexpected nature of this weather-induced disruption highlights the vulnerability of power infrastructure to environmental factors. While routine maintenance and monitoring are integral to grid station reliability, the unusual weather patterns experienced during this period posed challenges beyond the standard operational scope.
The drop in hydel generation further compounded the issues arising from the grid station trippings. The NTDC, responsible for managing the transmission of electricity across the country, faced a substantial reduction in the contribution of hydel power to the overall grid. This reduction in hydel generation is primarily attributed to the closure of canals, disrupting the water supply needed for hydel power production.
The closure of canals, a routine practice for maintenance, cleaning, de-silting of the water-courses, canals and water conservation purposes as well, has inadvertently led to a significant hydel power deficit of around 1600MW. This shortfall underscores the delicate balance required in managing water resources for both agricultural and energy purposes. The Power Division, recognizing the urgency of the situation, is actively working to address the canal closure issue and explore alternative means to restore hydel generation to its optimal capacity.
In addition to the challenges posed by weather-induced disruptions and hydel generation shortfalls, the power sector is grappling with a decrease in the availability of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The shortage in LNG supply has created a deficit of 700MW, further straining an already stressed power system.
To address the LNG shortage, the Power Division has implemented a short-term solution by utilizing furnace oil to generate an additional 800MW. While this measure provides some relief, it highlights the need for a diversified and resilient energy mix that can mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions in any one source.
Despite the complex challenges, the Power Division remains committed to mitigating the impact of the current power crisis. Load shedding, a necessary measure to balance the system amid constraints, is being managed through a strategic approach. The division is actively engaged in load management strategies to ensure a fair distribution of the available power supply.
Efforts to address the root causes of the crisis are underway, with a focus on resolving the canal closure issue and diversifying energy sources. The use of furnace oil to compensate for the LNG shortage is a short-term solution, and the Power Division is exploring long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of the energy infrastructure.
The recent challenges faced by the power sector underscore the importance of building resilience into the energy infrastructure. Climate-sensitive planning, robust maintenance protocols, and a diversified energy mix are crucial components of a resilient power system. As extreme weather events become more frequent, proactive measures and investments in infrastructure are necessary to ensure uninterrupted power supply to communities.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has been producing the electricity through different sources/fuels including hydel source, coal-fired plants, and gas-based plants, nuclear, RLNG, solar, bagasse, wind import from Iran to meet the electricity demands.
In conclusion, the recent load shedding episodes across the country serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the power sector. While immediate measures are being taken to address the current crisis, a long-term vision for a resilient and adaptable energy infrastructure is imperative to navigate the challenges of an evolving climate and energy landscape.
