K-Electric started load shedding at night from July 1 because it is trying to cope for a higher demand for electricity in the summer heat. However, its ability to produce power has taken a hit because of a shortage of fuel.

Karachi temperatures in June were in the 30s but rising humidity made it feel hotter.

KE said that its shortage has gone from roughly 350 MW to almost 500 MW. It said it was getting lower supplies of gas from SSGC as a result of which its two plants (at SITE and Korangi) are not able to produce power. The system was hit by 200MW.

K-Electric’s challenge is to produce electricity with RLNG or Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas instead of local gas at five times the price.

The shortfall in KE territory has increased from an average of 250 MW – 350 MW to almost 450 MW – 500 MW due to rising temperatures and curtailed fuel supply. For more information, please visit: https://t.co/UxJ6YixzVR (2/2)

— KE (@KElectricPk) July 4, 2022

The load shedding schedule will show up on the K-Electric app if you add your account number. If you experience a power outage of more than 30 to 40 minutes outside of your load shedding schedule get in touch with them at 118.

This is the July load shedding schedule: https://www.ke.com.pk/customer-services/load-shed-schedule/

Power shortages are a global problem and not just limited to cities in Pakistan. It has been brought about by Russia’s decision to go to war with Ukraine. That upset international gas and oil supplies and prices, driving them to their highest in nearly a decade.

To make matters worse, temperatures have soared this summer. In Japan, people have been told to conserve energy during its heatwave.

Australians suffered rolling blackouts (or load shedding) because of their energy crunch. They were told to conserve energy during that 6pm to 8pm peak time.