ATTOCK, Dec 24: Electricity and gas loadshedding is causing undue hardship to the residents of Attock, it has been learnt.

A large number of residents from various localities complained that the duration of electricity loadshedding had been recently increased to 12 hours. There being a power outage after every hour.

Apart from frequent power breakdown, power fluctuation is also a common feature which further aggravates the misery of the residents as precious electrical appliances particularly microwave ovens, water pumps, refrigerators and televisions are regularly damaged.

The local Islamabad Electrical Supply Company (Iesco) authorities, whenever contacted, maintain that the timing and duration of electricity supply is controlled from the grid stations, under the instructions of National Power Control Centre (NPCC), and hence the decisions regarding loadshedding is not in their control.

According to officials, however, NPCC, the body responsible for regulating loadshedding throughout the country, on a daily basis communicates a loadshedding schedule to Iesco.

LOW GAS PRESSURE: Similar to loadshedding and fluctuations in power supply, area residents also suffer from low gas pressure at various residential localities, it was revealed.

Local localities including Darul Salam Colony, New Abadi, People’s Colony, Muhallah Meharpura and Muhallah Awan Sharif have  complained about the low gas pressure, especially in the wake of extremely cold weather in December.

The supply of gas to these localities has remained low, especially during peak hours: early morning and after sunset.

The locals informed that it had become difficult for domestic consumers to prepare meals for their families. Also, heaters do not work in such low pressure.

Like domestic consumers, commercial consumers are also facing problems.  Low gas pressure has crippled the CNG industry and commuters suffer, waiting in long queues, in order to fill gas in their vehicles.