Unannounced electricity load shedding has intensified across Lahore and nearby areas during the winter season, causing growing frustration among residents.
According to sources, Lahore Electric Supply Company has begun shutting down six to seven grid stations simultaneously, leading to electricity outages lasting up to four hours in multiple localities across the city.
NPC Controls Grid Shutdowns
Sources revealed that the National Power Control Center is ordering grid closures every four to five hours, with full control of unannounced load shedding resting with the central authority rather than local power utilities.
Shortfall and Rising Demand
LESCO is currently facing an electricity shortfall of around 800 megawatts, while power demand has surged to approximately 1,850 megawatts due to increased usage during cold weather.
Officials say that reduced national power generation has made unannounced load shedding unavoidable. The imbalance between electricity supply and demand has resulted in repeated grid shutdowns across urban and suburban areas.
Public Impact
Residents report severe inconvenience, particularly during peak winter hours, as electricity outages disrupt heating, household routines, and daily work. Many citizens have criticized the lack of prior notice, saying it makes planning nearly impossible.
While the National Power Control Center says load shedding is being carried out strictly according to demand-and-supply conditions, public concern continues to grow as winter temperatures drop.
Authorities have not yet issued a timeline for improvement, leaving residents braced for continued disruptions in the coming days.
