The Power Division of Pakistan announced that the national power system achieved its highest-ever January performance in 2026. This milestone comes despite generation constraints and challenging weather conditions.
According to officials, peak electricity generation reached 16,584 megawatts (MW) during January 2026. Average generation stood at 12,239 MW, producing a total of 9,106 gigawatt-hours (GWh). This exceeded the projected 7,962 GWh by nearly 14 percent, representing a 13 percent increase over January 2025.
The power system achieved this performance despite multiple operational challenges, including major outages:
- K-3 forced outage of 1,040 MW
- Haveli Bahadur Shah (HBS) forced outage of 1,180 MW
- Partial and forced outage at Sahiwal Coal
- C-III refueling outage of 300 MW
Additionally, hydropower availability was affected by canal closures, while fog caused transmission line trippings in northern and southern regions. Cold wave conditions also increased electricity demand, putting further pressure on the grid.
The Power Division noted that the power system was operated according to merit-order dispatch, optimally using thermal resources while managing hydropower within water availability limits. Transmission corridors were continuously monitored, and security measures were enhanced to prevent cascading failures or widespread load shedding.
Officials praised the professionalism and resilience of system operators who managed the grid efficiently under demanding conditions.
Currently, electricity demand is being met primarily through hydel generation, supported by improved water inflows. Only one RLNG-based plant is in operation, while furnace oil-based generation has not been used, even during peak demand hours such as Iftar, Taraweeh, and Sehr.
The Power Division reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable and cost-effective electricity to all consumers, while commercial implications of the January 2026 performance may be obtained from CPPA-G.
This record highlights the growing efficiency and adaptability of Pakistan’s power system, despite operational and environmental challenges.
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