Fesco Electricity Schedule
Electricity load shedding is a harsh reality in Pakistan due to an electricity shortfall. FESCO (Faisalabad Electric Supply Company) is one of the distribution companies responsible for electricity distribution in major cities of Punjab including Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Toba Tek Singh, and Samundri.
As a result of electricity shortage across the country, FESCO also has to follow scheduled power outages known as load shedding.
What is FESCO?
FESCO or Faisalabad Electric Supply Company is responsible for electricity distribution in Faisalabad Division which includes Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Toba Tek Singh, and Samundri.
It serves over 9 million consumers across 21,000 square kilometers.
FESCO follows the electricity load management plan issued by NEPRA which instructs power distribution companies to shed load when electricity demand exceeds supply.
This load shedding plan is revised periodically based on changing circumstances.
FESCO Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
The load shedding schedule for FESCO varies across different cities, areas and feeders.
The schedule divides the electricity supply hours into different time slots and details which areas will experience outages in those slots.
Some key points about FESCO load shedding schedule:
1. Urban areas generally face less load shedding than rural areas
2. Load shedding hours are longer in summer compared to winter
3. The schedule is dynamic and changes from month to month based on demand and supply position
4. Some feeders are exempted from load shedding due to high recovery others see greater outages
5. The schedule is communicated via print media ads, social media updates and on the FESCO website
6. Here is an overview of the FESCO load shedding schedule in major cities as of December 2023:
Faisalabad Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
Faisalabad is divided into eight divisions named Abdullahpur, Chenab Nagar, Gulberg, Iqbal Town, Lyallpur, Madina Town, People’s Colony and Samanabad for load shedding management.
The 8 to 10 hours load shedding schedule is as follows:
- Abdullahpur: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Chenab Nagar: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
- Gulberg: 11am to 3pm + 6pm to 8pm
- Iqbal Town: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Lyallpur: 11am to 3pm + 6pm to 8pm
- Madina Town: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
- People’s Colony: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Samanabad: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
Jhang Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
Jhang faces 8 to 10 hours of electricity load shedding which is scheduled as follows:
- City Area: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Cantt Area: 11am to 3pm + 6pm to 8pm
- Rural areas: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
Chiniot Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
Chiniot also faces 8 to 10 hours of load shedding with the following schedule:
- Chiniot City: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Lalian: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
- Rural areas: 11am to 3pm + 6pm to 8pm
Toba Tek Singh Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
Electricity load shedding schedule in Toba Tek Singh is as follows:
- City Area: 11am to 3pm + 6pm to 8pm
- ural Areas: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
Samundri Electricity Load Shedding Schedule
Samundrihas an 8 to 10 hours load shedding plan as follows:
- Samundri City: 9am to 1pm + 4pm to 6pm
- Rural Areas: 10am to 2pm + 5pm to 7pm
Make sure that the schedule of load shedding change by time to time.
How to Check Updated FESCO Load Shedding Schedule
As the schedule frequently changes, the updated timings are communicated via:
1. FESCO website
2. Social media pages of FESCO
3. Print advertisements in local newspapers
4. SMS service to subscribed FESCO consumers
5. Calling FESCO helplines
Consumers can check the updated schedule on FESCO’s website or social media pages. The schedule for the next day is usually posted a day before.
Key Reasons for FESCO Load Shedding in Pakistan
Some key reasons why FESCO and other power companies have to do load shedding are:
1. Electricity shortage or gap between demand and supply
2. Power generation limitations
3. Financial constraints of power sector
4. Delayed payments by defaulters
5. Line losses due to outdated infrastructure
6. Electricity theft through illegal connections
To manage the gap between demand and supply, load shedding is done in high loss areas and areas with lower recovery. The duration of outages is longer in summers when electricity demand peaks.
Ways to Deal with FESCO Load Shedding
Here are some tips to deal with power outages by FESCO:
1. Keep updated on outage schedule to plan activities accordingly
2. Install a UPS system to power essential appliances during outages
3. Use surge protectors to prevent damage to electronics
4. Switch to energy efficient LED lights and fans
5. Limit usage of air conditioners to manage backup power
6. Install solar system for power backup during load shedding hours
The frequent power breakdowns cause disruption for households and businesses. Using energy efficiently and installing backup power sources like solar can provide relief during load shedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries people have regarding FESCO’s electricity load shedding schedule:
Why does FESCO do load shedding?
Load shedding is done because of electricity shortfall in the country. FESCO has to shed load when demand exceeds supply in its region.
How many hours of load shedding does FESCO do?
FESCO’s load shedding ranges from 8 to 10 hours daily but the timings vary across cities and rural areas. Urban localities generally face less load shedding.
Does rural FESCO area face more load shedding than urban areas?
Yes, the duration of load shedding is longer in FESCO’s rural areas as compared to its urban localities.
How frequently does FESCO change the load shedding schedule?
The schedule changes monthly or sometimes even weekly depending on electricity demand and supply position.
Where can we find FESCO’s updated load shedding schedule?
Updated schedule is posted on FESCO’s website, social media pages, mobile app and communicated through print advertisements.
Conclusion
Frequent power outages caused by load shedding are a nuisance for electricity consumers of FESCO in Faisalabad and other cities. Load shedding duration varies across locations based on electricity losses and recoveries. People should monitor FESCO’s schedule announcements to plan their daily activities accordingly. Using energy efficiently and installing solar solutions can provide backup during load shedding hours.