Power system records highest-ever generation in January despite adverse conditions

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Feb, 2026) The national power system delivered a record-breaking performance in January 2026, achieving its highest-ever generation for the month despite adverse hydrological and network conditions, the Power Division said on Friday.

In a statement, the Power Division said the system successfully navigated multiple operational challenges — including canal closures, fog-induced transmission line trippings in both northern and southern regions, and a cold wave — to reach a peak generation of 16,584 megawatts (MW) and an average output of 12,239 MW.

Actual generation during the month stood at 9,106 gigawatt-hours (GWh), significantly surpassing the reference projection of 7,962 GWh by around 14 percent. This also marked a 13 percent increase compared to January 2025.

The statement noted that the achievement came despite substantial generation constraints, including forced outages at key facilities such as K-3 (1,040 MW) and Haveli Bahadur Shah (1,180 MW), partial and forced outages at Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, and a refueling outage at C-III (300 MW).

Notwithstanding reduced baseload capacity and lean hydel availability, the national power system was operated with strict adherence to merit-order dispatch.

Optimal use was made of available thermal resources, hydel generation was carefully managed within water limits, and transmission corridors were continuously monitored. Proactive security measures ensured grid stability and prevented any cascading failures or widespread load management.

The Power Division appreciated the professionalism and resilience of system operators who ensured uninterrupted performance under demanding conditions.

It further stated that commercial implications arising from the rebasing of reference in January 2026 may be obtained from the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G).

Currently, system demand is being efficiently met through hydel generation supported by improved water inflows, with only one RLNG-based plant in operation. Notably, no furnace oil-based generation was utilized, even during peak demand hours of Iftar, Taraweeh and Sehr.

The Power Division remains committed to ensuring reliable and cost-effective power supply to all consumers.