The Karachi Electric Supply Company has increased the duration of load shedding till 8-10 hours in the residential and commercial areas of the City.

According to officials, KESC attributed to the peak demand exceeding 2550 megawatts and minimal supply of gas.

According to the new load shedding schedule, in the zero or low loss areas, which are usually exempted of load shedding, three cycles of one hour each are being carried out; four cycles of 1.5 hour each in the medium loss areas; and, four cycles of 2 hours each in the high loss residential and commercial areas.

Industrial areas continue to be exempted of load shedding as are the sensitive and strategic connections and installations.

The increase in load shedding hours is strictly for the period when the KESC is receiving low gas supply from SSGC and normal load shedding plan will return as soon as gas supply increases, or if PSO agrees to extend KESC’s credit limit to buy furnace oil.

The KANUPP has still not resumed supply while IPP Gul Ahmed is also not generating electricity because of oil shortage. The low gas pressure is also limiting and affecting power generation by KESC’s gas turbines.