Power generation in Pakistan fell to 12,487 GWh in September 2024, representing a 6% decline year-on-year compared to 13,339 GWh produced in the same month last year.
On a monthly basis, power generation fell 5.3% from August’s total of 13,179 GWh.
Experts attributed the decrease in production to weak economic conditions, as well as an increase in solar energy and off-grid power generation. “Solar and captive power solutions are gaining popularity, reducing dependence on the grid,” said Imad Amer, energy analyst.
The cost of electricity generation saw a significant rise of 12.4%, reaching Rs 8.34/kWh in September 2024, compared to Rs 7.42/kWh in September 2023. Fuel costs, especially from imported coal, also rose by 9%. High prices were a major contributor to rising costs.
Hydropower remained the largest source of energy, contributing 38.7% of the total energy mix, followed by liquefied natural gas (16.3%), and nuclear energy (12.8%). Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and bagasse accounted for a smaller share, at 3.2%, 0.8%, and 0.3%, respectively.