Electricity Demand Spikes Above 21,000 MW as Heatwave Drives Up Consumption

Pakistan’s electricity demand has spiked above 21,000 megawatts (MW), Power Division sources informed ProPakistani. The national electricity generation currently stands at approximately 18,000 MW from conventional sources, leaving a shortfall of above 3,000 MW. A breakdown of the country’s power generation reveals that 3,000 MW is being supplied by nuclear power plants, while another 3,000 MW is generated using Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). Local gas contributes 1,500 MW, and imported coal accounts for 1,800 MW of generation. An additional 2,400 MW comes from local coal. Renewable and alternate energy sources also play a significant role. Hydropower is producing 3,900 MW, wind energy contributes 1,200 MW, and sugarcane-based bagasse adds 79 MW. Furthermore, electricity generated through net metering—mostly from solar panels installed by consumers—has surpassed 5,000 MW, marking a rapid increase. When net metering is factored in, Pakistan’s total power generation rises to over 23,000 MW, which helps bridge the gap between supply and demand during the current season.