Pakistan, Jan. 13 -- Power distribution companies (Discos) across Pakistan have begun forced loadshedding as the national electricity shortfall surged to nearly 4,000 Megawatts (MW), including 1,100MW in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) area alone, which covers five districts.

Read More: Govt says no electricity load shedding being carried out in country

Officials attributed the shortfall to dense fog, which has repeatedly tripped power plants in the southern region, coupled with negligible hydel generation during the ongoing winter. The increased use of heating appliances has also pushed electricity demand up by about 2,000MW compared to last year.

"The reduction in gas supply to Lahore-based power plants, along with the clo...