Pakistan electricity consumption drops by 3.6 percent

ISLAMABAD: The country’s power consumption has dropped by 3.6 per during the first three quarters (July –March) of FY 2024-25 due to due to variety of reasons including subdued industrial activity and consumers financial position.
According to Economic Survey 2-24-25, released on Tuesday by the Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, during July-March FY 2025, total electricity consumption in Pakistan stood at 80,111 GWh, compared to 83,109 GWh in the corresponding period of FY 2024, reflecting a 3.6 percent decline in electricity usage. This contraction may be attributed to ongoing energy conservation measures, elevated power tariffs, off-grid solar solutions, and subdued industrial activity.
The survey says that the household sector continued to dominate electricity consumption, with its share rising to 49.6 percent (39,728 GWh) during July-March FY 2025, up from 47.3 percent (39,286 GWh) in the same period of FY 2024. This increase indicates a relative expansion in residential demand, possibly driven by population growth, an increased use of home appliances, and stable weather-related consumption patterns. In contrast, industrial consumption slightly declined both in absolute terms and share.
The sector consumed 21,082 GWh, down from 22,031 GWh, reducing its share from 26.5 percent to 26.3 percent. Electricity usage in the agriculture sector dropped significantly by 34.3 percent, falling from 6,951 GWh to 4,566 GWh, which reduced its share from 8.4 percent to 5.7 percent. This sharp decline is likely due to changes in irrigation practices, rainfall patterns, and possibly a switch to diesel-powered or solar alternatives in response to rising electricity costs.
The commercial sector recorded a modest increase in consumption, from 6,776 GWh to 6,898 GWh, slightly raising its share to 8.6 percent. This rise indicates a marginal pickup in business and retail activity, particularly in urban centers. The “others” category, comprising public lighting, bulk supply, and government buildings, consumed 7,037 GWh, maintaining a stable share at 9.8 percent, broadly consistent with the previous year.