The Power Division has reported record electricity generation in January 2026, despite significant plant outages and adverse weather conditions.

In a statement addressing recent discussion on electricity pricing, the division said the national grid recorded its highest-ever January peak generation of 16,584 megawatts (MW), with average generation reaching 12,239 MW.

Total monthly generation stood at 9,106 gigawatt-hours (GWh), exceeding the reference projection of 7,962 GWh by around 14 percent. Output was also 13 percent higher than in January 2025.

During the month, the system faced major constraints, including a 1,040 MW forced outage at K-3, a 1,180 MW outage at Haveli Bahadur Shah (HBS), partial and forced outages at the Sahiwal coal plant, and a 300 MW refueling outage at C-III. Hydropower generation was further limited due to canal closures, while dense fog caused transmission line trippings in northern and southern regions during the cold wave.

Despite reduced baseload capacity and lower hydel availability, the grid was operated under strict merit-order dispatch. Available thermal plants were utilized efficiently, hydel output was managed within water limits, and transmission corridors were closely monitored to maintain system stability and avoid large-scale load shedding.

The division added that commercial implications related to the rebasing of the January 2026 reference may be obtained from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G).

At present, demand is being met mainly through hydropower supported by improved water inflows, with only one RLNG-based plant operating. No furnace oil-based generation was used during the month, including during peak hours in Ramadan.

The Power Division reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable and cost-efficient electricity supply nationwide.