Darkness in Rawalpindi: Residents Fume Over Brutal Load Shedding
Residents of Rawalpindi are struggling with 6-8 hour power outages and high bills as IESCO carries out unannounced load shedding.
Life in Rawalpindi has turned into a struggle for survival as residents grapple with severe Rawalpindi load shedding, with power outages lasting between six to eight hours. Despite the onset of colder weather, which typically reduces the demand for cooling, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) continues to disconnect power, often without providing any prior notice to the affected citizens.
The Gap Between Promise and Reality
While IESCO claims that it is only implementing a scheduled two-hour daily "load management" plan to balance the gap between electricity supply and demand, the reality on the ground is far more grim. Residents report that repeated maintenance shutdowns and unscheduled outages have pushed the actual duration of power cuts far beyond the official claims.
The lack of communication from the utility provider has left thousands in the dark—literally and figuratively. Citizens are demanding that the company notify them at least 24 hours before any planned outage to allow them to prepare.
Daily Life Paralyzed
The impact of these outages is being felt across all demographics of the city. From students trying to study to office workers and homemakers managing daily chores, the unpredictability of the power supply has caused widespread chaos.
- Faisal Colony: Resident Muhammad Awais shared that on a recent Thursday, power was gone for six straight hours from 8 am to 2 pm. This followed another unannounced shutdown on the preceding Monday.
- Shah Khalid Colony: Muhammad Farhan highlighted a frustrating trend where residents are only informed about the cause of the outage after they take the initiative to contact the utility company.
- Media Town: Suhail Raja noted that power cuts are frequently hitting during evenings and late at night. Upon contacting the complaint center, he was informed that the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) was responsible for these unscheduled outages.
Financial Burden and Political Tension
The crisis is not just about the lack of electricity but also the cost of it. Residents like Muhammad Farhan have pointed out the irony of receiving monthly electricity bills exceeding Rs10,000 despite relatively low consumption, adding immense pressure to already strained household budgets.
The economic ripple effect is also hitting the local marketplace. Traders have reported significant financial losses, as businesses cannot operate normally. Many shopkeepers have been forced to rely on expensive generators just to keep their shops illuminated and open for business.
The frustration is now boiling over into political warnings. Abdur Rehman, a resident of Dhoke Ratta, criticized the government's failure to handle the situation, warning that the growing public anger could lead to serious political consequences.
IESCO's Explanation
Addressing the mounting complaints, IESCO spokesperson Raja Asim explained that the region is currently undergoing essential annual maintenance. According to the spokesperson, work is being carried out on transformers, feeders, transmission lines, and other critical electrical infrastructure across the region stretching between Attock and Jhelum.