LAHORE – Residents of Lahore faced widespread loadshedding on Monday as extreme weather disrupted electricity supply across the city. Power outages lasting three to four hours left homes and businesses in darkness, crippling daily activities.
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is struggling to meet the city’s soaring electricity demand of 3,050 MW. Meanwhile, the National Power Control Center (NPCC) is supplying only 2,450 MW, creating a massive shortfall of 600 MW. Rural areas are suffering the most, with outages extending up to six hours.
Officials said repeated tripping of transmission lines, triggered by severe fog and reduced electricity generation, is behind the ongoing loadshedding. South Punjab is also affected, as high-voltage lines managed by NTDC constantly trip, leaving large areas without electricity.
Public transport services were severely impacted by the blackout. Electric buses on Canal Road at Route 26 could not operate because they could not be charged due to the transmission line fault. Routes from Jinnah Bus Terminal to BRB Canal were completely suspended, stranding commuters and disrupting travel.
The blackout began at 5:20 PM, leaving thousands of people helpless as Punjab Mass Transit Authority buses remained grounded. It took over 14 hours to restore electricity to the buses and resume service on Canal Road, adding to residents’ frustration.
Citizens expressed anger on social media over the lack of timely information and the unannounced loadshedding. Many called for urgent reforms to prevent repeated outages, especially during peak winter months.
Experts warn that the winter season exposes the vulnerability of Lahore’s power infrastructure. Dense fog, combined with insufficient generation capacity, puts additional pressure on the grid, causing frequent disruptions.
LESCO and NPCC officials are reportedly working to stabilize supply and prevent further outages. Authorities have urged residents to use electricity responsibly to reduce the load on the system.
In other news read more about Punjab e-Biz Portal: Fast & Easy Business Registration Guide
As the city braces for continued cold weather, the ongoing loadshedding serves as a stark reminder of the need for long-term solutions to improve electricity reliability and protect citizens from future disruptions.
