Diagnosis of Energy Crisis of Pakistan and Assessment of DSM as Viable Solution.

Pakistan is facing the deepest energy and economic crisis of its history. In fact, the ongoing economic crisis is more or less due to the energy crisis. In spite of this critical situation, Pakistan began from a meager 70 MW installed capacity at the time of the creation of the country and now has raised that capacity to 40,923 MW with a huge transmission network infrastructure based on 58,679 km transmission lines and a consumer base of 36.5 million. Despite this massive progress, there is a continued power deficit, mounting circular debt, and large losses, which all indicate a depleted picture of the power sector. This paper primarily undertakes the diagnosis of these crises and provides a basic assessment of demand-side management as a potential avenue to overcome energy crises. In this context, a detailed overview of the energy and power sectors of Pakistan, including the outdated T&D system, is undertaken. These diagnoses suggest that poor administration, governance, and inappropriate policies have contributed to these crises. In the meantime, efforts to overcome these crises with expensive capacity additions have also failed to address the energy crisis. However, a careful review of the literature and on-the-ground matters indicates that DSM is the most reliable solution. Sectoral DSM potential is estimated. Implementing the proposed measures will help greatly to overcome these crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]