Solar net metering has played a crucial role in preventing daytime loadshedding in Pakistan, contributing up to 8,000 megawatts (MW) to the national grid and offsetting a significant portion of the ongoing power shortfall, according to official statements.
Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said solar generation has reduced loadshedding by nearly four hours, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during daytime despite persistent energy constraints.
However, the shift toward solar energy has increased pressure on the system during nighttime peak hours. Electricity demand has surged to as high as 20,000MW in the evening, leading to loadshedding of six to seven hours in some areas.
The country continues to face a power deficit of around 3,400MW, largely driven by disruptions in LNG supplies linked to geopolitical tensions, including the US-Iran conflict and issues affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
LNG-based power generation has dropped sharply to around 500MW from an installed capacity of approximately 6,000MW, as gas supply to several plants remains suspended.
Hydropower output has also declined significantly, falling to around 1,600–1,671MW compared to nearly 3,200MW last year, mainly due to reduced water releases from key reservoirs such as Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam.
To bridge the gap, furnace oil-based power plants are operating at full capacity, while maintenance work at nuclear facilities has been postponed to sustain generation levels.
Officials said load management is primarily being implemented during evening peak hours, with approximately one hour of outage required for every 500–600MW of shortfall.
Despite an installed generation capacity of around 46,000MW, actual electricity production remains constrained due to fuel shortages and supply disruptions, limiting the system’s ability to fully meet demand.
