Flood hits power infrastructure, raising shortfall to 3135 MW.

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 13 -- The suspension of gas supply and inundation of some power plants at flood-affected areas have caused power shortfall of 3,135 MW, forcing the Pakistan Electric Supply Company (PEPCO) to observe 4 to 6 hours load-shedding across the country.

Official sources said, the electricity system had been badly hit by the floods, which knocked down 10,000 transmission lines, besides, transformers, feeders and power houses in different sections in flood-hit areas.

According to daily power generation report, the total generation on Thursday recorded as 12,361 MW against the demand of 15,496 MW during the last 24 hours.

The hydel generation stood at 5,816 MW, WAPDA thermal 1,760 MW, IPPs 4,684 MW and Rental 101 MW.

As many as 640 MW was supplied to Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), the report said.

The hydel generation witnessed considerable increase owing to improved water level in two major reservoirs Mangla and Tarbela dams.

According to the sources PEPCO has restored 70 per cent electricity supply in a short time adding that the floods had swept away roads, canals, dams, power house and under-construction power houses.

The World Bank had assured of all necessary assistance with regard to repair and construction of power houses, where disruption had caused shortage of 1000-1500 MW in the system.

They said that the flood water inundated Jinnah Hydro Power and equipment. However, main turbines were safe. Besides, up to 150 power houses in Gilgit were damaged.

A special Task Force headed by the secretary Water and Power had been formed for coordination among the departments and assessment of the damages.

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