Pakistan’s electricity generation climbed significantly in March 2026, reaching 8,939 GWh, marking an increase of 6.3 percent compared to the same month last year and a strong 16.2 percent rise from February, according to data compiled by Topline Research.

During the first nine months of FY26, cumulative power production stood at 93,130 GWh, reflecting a 3.3 percent year-on-year improvement.

At the same time, electricity generation became cheaper. The average generation cost dropped to Rs. 8.1 per unit in March, representing a 15 percent annual decline, while the nine-month average settled at Rs. 8.2 per unit, down 5 percent compared to last year.

Hydropower recorded the most dramatic expansion among all energy sources. Hydel generation surged 62 percent year on year to 2,105 GWh, accounting for roughly 23.5 percent of Pakistan’s total power mix and emerging as the largest contributor during the month.

Coal-based electricity production also strengthened. Generation from local coal increased by 7.5 percent, while imported coal output more than doubled, rising over 126 percent, highlighting growing reliance on coal-fired plants.

Gas-powered generation posted a modest 3.6 percent increase, whereas nuclear power output declined nearly 11.7 percent annually, despite showing improvement compared to the previous month.

A major shift was observed in RLNG-based generation, which plunged by 67 percent year on year. Analysts attribute the sharp decline to disrupted RLNG shipments amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, effectively removing the fuel from the generation mix during the period.

Among renewable sources, wind power generation expanded by 34 percent, while solar generation recorded a slight decrease during March.

The latest data indicates Pakistan’s power sector is transitioning toward hydel and coal-driven electricity, supported by falling generation costs but raising questions about long-term fuel sustainability and energy security.