LAHORE - The Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has admitted that its at least four thermal power stations with dual capacity of generating electricity are not producing power at their full capacity. In a press release issued here on Wednesday, the Pepco said that actually, KAPCO generated 906 MW on 85% of its capacity. In fact, only 250 or so of KAPCO power could not be utilized for want of gas. On the other hand, same was the position for the 220 MW GTPS at Faisalabad and the two Rental Plants at Bhikki and Sheikhupura, which could not operate on full load due to non-availability of the required level of gas supplies, it added. Explaining the issue, PEPCO spokesman informed that Rs 10 billion has since been paid, after recovery from various governmental customers, to the gas companies. While clarifying news items the Pakistan Electric Power Company said that it is alive to the sever energy situation, adding that new power generation is coming on bar totally over 3,500 MW within 2009 and that load shedding will end by 2009. It said the following plants would be joining us within this month, viz Atlas Power Project (225 MW), Orient Power Project (225 MW) and Techno-I Rental Power Plant (150 MW). Incidentally, all of these plants have started test generation since last and early this month. Responding to various items appearing in section of the press PEPCO spokesman responded that actual shortfalls being faced during the last one month were between 1800 MW to 2600 MW and the load shedding was between 06- 10 hours. PEPCO spokesman informed that 401 feeders in the PEPCO system stand exempted from load shedding, because these feed hospitals, jails and various educational institutions. Moreover, 3,000 MW of industry is being subjected to far less power cuts. Additionally, regarding load growth, PEPCO elaborates that during 2008-09 as many as 7.2 million Domestic Appliances were sold in the market which along with other usage has resulted in an overall growth load of 8.53% in demand. PEPCO on emergency basis has installed another 250 MVA Power Transformer to cope with the additional demands.