ISLAMABAD, June 13: The countrywide electricity shortage is learnt to have increased to about 2,900MW owing mainly to continued closure of about 25 generating units across the country, adding to the misery of consumers in the sizzling temperatures.

“This is the worst energy crisis in Pakistan’s history. Accounting for almost 20 per cent of the requirement, the gap between demand and supply is even higher than the 10 per cent shortfall faced in the early 1990s,” a senior Wapda official told Dawn.

Management inefficiency is to be blamed for the predicament which, he said, might prove to be more lethal for the government than the ongoing political and judicial crises.

Wapda is currently facing a shortfall of about 2,550MW in its system due to generation shortfalls and distribution problems. Karachi Electric Supply Company (Kesc), too, is facing a generation shortfall of about 345MW. This is in addition to problems arising out of usual breakdowns and tripping, reveals official data.

Senior government officials told Dawn that most of the generating units were down for unresolved technical problems, gas shortage and outdated distribution system. The unplanned closure of 25 units for various technical reasons was currently causing a power shortfall of 2,092MW, they said.

The government’s entire effort in the last few months has been on holding meetings and window-dressing measures, including a load management and conservation plan, that did not make any big difference, they said. Federal Power Minister Liaqat Ali Jatoi has convened a meeting of generation companies on Thursday to review the situation.