Flood-hit areas regain 80% electricity supply

Over 1.3 million consumers reconnected, but 315,000 remain without power as restoration efforts continue after floods

The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) announced on Thursday that electricity has been restored to more than 1.3 million consumers across Pakistan after weeks of flooding, representing nearly 80 percent of those who initially lost power. However, more than 315,000 households remain cut off as teams continue repairs in submerged and inaccessible areas.

According to the latest figures, 1,303,559 out of 1,623,413 affected consumers have had their supply fully or partially restored. The Power Division said its priority remains reconnecting the remaining 315,854 customers, with repair teams working around the clock despite severe logistical hurdles caused by high water levels and damaged transmission lines.How to Check FESCO Bill Online in 2025!

Flooding earlier disabled 49 grid stations and 497 feeders nationwide, causing massive power outages across multiple regions. Of these, 239 feeders have now been fully restored, while another 249 are providing partial relief as temporary solutions until permanent repairs can be made.

The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), covering flood-hit areas such as Swat, Buner, Shangla, Swabi, and Dera Ismail Khan, reported that 12 grid stations and 91 feeders were damaged during the crisis. Out of 463,375 affected consumers, power has been restored to 459,921, leaving just 3,454 still without electricity. Officials estimate these households will be reconnected between September 4 and 12 as infrastructure is stabilized.

In Punjab’s industrial belt, the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) recorded damage to 11 grid stations and 103 feeders. Nearly 736,000 consumers were affected, with 660,509 already reconnected. The remaining 75,478 customers are expected to regain power once floodwaters recede enough for repair crews to safely access damaged equipment.

In Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) areas, covering Lahore, Okara, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana, 44 of 67 damaged feeders have been restored. This has allowed electricity to return to 59,067 of the 73,634 consumers affected, with full restoration projected by September 5.

The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), serving Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, and parts of Dera Ismail Khan, reported extensive losses. A total of 26 grid stations and 77 feeders were damaged, with only 19 feeders fully restored so far. While 93,331 of the 198,616 affected consumers have had supply restored, officials warned that full recovery, expected by September 5, remains dependent on falling water levels.

In southern Punjab, the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) said 139 feeders remain damaged, leaving 96,537 consumers without electricity. Restoration work has yet to begin due to stagnant floodwaters, with authorities cautioning that repairs will only commence when conditions become safe.

The Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO), which serves vulnerable areas in North Waziristan and Khyber, reported 17 damaged feeders. Two have been fully restored, 11 partially reconnected, and 7,302 of the 31,599 affected consumers now have power. The ministry expects complete restoration by 5:00 p.m. on September 5.

Meanwhile, the Hazara Electric Supply Company (HESCO) confirmed that all three feeders damaged in Mansehra have been fully restored, reconnecting affected consumers in the region.

Despite the progress, hundreds of thousands of families remain without power, relying on candles, kerosene lamps, and makeshift arrangements. Local communities have expressed frustration at the pace of repairs in remote districts, where access is hampered by collapsed roads and continued flooding.

The Power Division emphasized that restoration remains a national priority, with emergency teams deployed across affected provinces. Officials said the unprecedented scale of damage, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has made recovery more complex compared to previous flood emergencies.

Pakistan has experienced repeated power disruptions in recent years due to flooding and heavy rains, with grid infrastructure often vulnerable to seasonal disasters. This year’s floods, which destroyed homes, roads, and crops across multiple provinces, have again highlighted the country’s chronic infrastructure challenges.

Authorities stressed that while immediate efforts are focused on reconnecting consumers, long-term planning and investment in flood-resilient power systems will be crucial to preventing similar crises in the future.

The Ministry of Energy reaffirmed its commitment to full restoration, urging patience from the public as teams continue to operate in difficult conditions. It said complete recovery of the 315,000 still without electricity would remain the foremost objective in the days ahead.

Ends.