Energy conservation failure to lead to severe loadshedding

LAHORE - Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) newly appointed Managing Director Tahir Basharat Cheema Thursday said if energy conservation programme was failed the consumers would have to suffer severe loadshedding in July and August, however the situation improved over last year but shortages still persisted.
While talking to the media here at a local hotel he said that around 12b are being paid to the gas cos in a couple of days to further resolve circular debt issue.
He said that power generation in the country reached 12,242 MW which is parallel to the electricity demand of 12,242 MW and there is no power shortfall in the country as electricity demand and supply gap is at is at equal level.
He said currently, there is no loadshedding from last few days and due to governments sincere efforts power situation is improving as in last year the shortfall on same day was 3,966 MW.
He said the country has been experiencing power shortages resulting in load shedding mainly due to gap between supply and growing demand, aggravated by poor hydrological conditions in 2007 and 2008, lesser supply of gas since 2007.
He said that financial constraints on account of a gap between cost of generation and sale rate and due to piling receivables the power outages issue aggravated.
He said that now the position of supply-demand improved substantially from January 2009 onwards on account of: Increase in hydro power due to more water releases; better delivery of furnace oil; addition of generation capacity by 550 MW on account of 2 new IPPs and enhancement of PEPCO capacity; better management of power system.
He said that the government has taken several steps to mitigate shortages including installation of rental power plants in private sector by GENCOs and PPIB. He said that expedite commissioning of IPPs already contracted by PPIB. He said that installation of new power plants in public sector by GENCOs, rehabilitation and replacement of GENCOs existing derated plants, induction of fast-track generation capacity by PPIB and utilization of surplus/redundant capacity of Captive Power Plants by DISCOs are few steps taken by the govt to resolve this issue.
Reduction of demand through energy conservation and load management, as a megawatt saved is, in fact, better than a megawatt generated, he added.
He said that massive public awareness campaign through electronic and print media has been launched.
He said that closure of shopping and commercial centers and plazas at sunset, staggering of industrial holidays will be helpful in this regard.
He said that interaction with industries for reduction of load during peak hours especially that of Steel Furnaces would be adopted.
He said that induction of Energy Saver Lamps (CFLs) to replace incandescent lamps and tube lights will conserve energy.
He said that 3,000 MW electricity will be added into the system by the December 2009, which includes IPPs and rental projects being processed by PPIB in the private sector as well as the projects in the public sector by PEPCO.