Faisalabad load shedding likely amid rising demand

Staff Report

FAISALABAD: A decline in electricity generation from hydel sources has increased pressure on the power system and a significant rise in electricity demand is being observed during peak hours, particularly from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

In this situation, to maintain stability of the power system during peak hours, approximately 2.25 hours of daily load management may be implemented.

FESCO spokesman Muhammad Saeed Raza said that during this situation it is the responsibility of all consumers to use electricity sparingly so that load shedding can be controlled and consumers’ electricity bills can also be reduced.

Consumer Guidelines to Reduce Power Consumption

He said that unnecessary use of electricity during peak hours not only puts additional burden on the system but also causes interruptions in power supply. Therefore, consumers should demonstrate responsibility and ensure prudent use of energy.

He requested the general public to avoid unnecessary electricity consumption during peak hours, especially from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Consumers are advised to avoid using electric motors, irons, water pumps, heaters and other high-consumption appliances as much as possible.

Agricultural consumers are also advised not to operate tube wells during peak hours so that load on the national grid can be reduced and better power supply to all consumers can be ensured.

He further advised that air conditioners should be operated at 26 degrees Celsius or above, as lowering the temperature by each degree significantly increases electricity consumption. Consumers should avoid frequently opening refrigerators and maintain balanced temperature settings. Similarly, electric geysers, room heaters, irons and other electrical appliances should be used at lower temperature or load to save electricity.

Use of low-voltage energy savers or LED bulbs in homes and offices should be ensured, as these consume less electricity and last longer.

Role of Efficient Appliances in Energy Conservation

Regular cleaning and maintenance of fans, air coolers and other appliances also help save electricity. Computers, printers and other digital devices should be set on auto sleep or power-saving mode, as devices running on standby continue to waste electricity.

The spokesman further said that consumers should make maximum use of sunlight and avoid unnecessary lighting. All electrical appliances should be switched off when leaving home or office, and unnecessary lights and appliances should be turned off before sleeping.

Making energy conservation a daily habit will not only help conserve energy at the national level but will also significantly reduce consumers’ financial expenses.

Consumers are also advised to use electricity according to their sanctioned load and avoid illegal or unnecessary additional load as this increases pressure on the system and leads to low voltage and tripping issues. Commercial and industrial consumers are also requested to minimize unnecessary load during peak hours and adopt energy-efficient technologies.

FESCO Chief Executive Engineer Muhammad Aamer appealed to consumers to follow these guidelines in the national interest. He said that through collective efforts, pressure on the power system can be reduced and minimized the load management.

He emphasized that wise use of energy is the need of the hour and every citizen should fulfill his national obligation to ensure efficient use of limited resources and uninterrupted power supply.

Author Profile

Saleem Mubarak: Award-winning investigative journalist with 20+ years of experience across Pakistan's leading news organisations, including 15+ years as Senior Staff Correspondent at Dawn. Driven by a lifelong passion for investigative journalism and human rights, with a proven record of hard-hitting stories that forced official action — from hospital negligence and illegal land grabs to harassment probes and social injustice. He is the recipient of the K.C. Kulish International Award for Excellence in Print Journalism.