The world first experienced and learned about mass nationwide lockdowns on a global scale during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
The lockdowns of recent years did more than just confine us to our homes. They provided a rare experiment in energy consumption and offered a lesson that Pakistan cannot afford to ignore.
Earlier, during 2020-21, when factories stopped operating, the population was confined to homes, streets and roads became silent, and businesses largely remained closed, Pakistan’s energy demand dropped by almost 30 percent in just one month.
In that scenario, it was not a surprise that lockdown proved to be an effective immediate tool in crisis management. After experiencing this, lockdowns became a common measure whenever circumstances demanded. Later during the pandemic, then Prime Minister Imran Khan introduced the concept of a “smart lockdown”, a more lenient version that allowed limited activity.
It included reduced working days in offices and educational institutions, early closure of markets, restaurants and marriage halls, and other measures intended to save electricity.
Complete lockdowns, or their modern form, smart lockdowns, can certainly be effective as short-term emergency measures. During periods of energy shortages and global oil crises, governments may immediately introduce energy-saving austerity measures and implement smart lockdowns. It is then important to evaluate how effectively such measures contribute to energy conservation.
When a lockdown is imposed specifically to save energy, it can be termed an “energy lockdown.” Recently, Pakistan’s government has announced smart-lockdown measures amid surging global energy prices and difficulties in fuel supply.
Various austerity measures have also been adopted, including the following:
Government and Administrative Measures
1. Reduction in Fuel Allowance:
A 50 percent reduction in fuel allowances for government vehicles for three months.
2. Ban on Vehicle Purchases:
A complete ban on the purchase of new official cars as well as other general goods.
3. Travel Restrictions:
Government officers have been restricted from undertaking non-essential domestic or international travel. They have been instructed to hold virtual meetings where possible. Where travel is necessary, economy-class travel is encouraged.
4. Restrictions on Official Events:
Except for foreign delegations, other official parties and dinners have been prohibited.
Commercial and Market Timings
1. Markets and Shopping Centres:
Markets, shopping malls and general retail stores are required to close by 9:00 p.m.
2. Marriage Halls:
Marriage halls operating under the single-dish rule are required to close by 10:00 p.m.
3. Restaurants:
Restaurants and cafés are to close by 11:00 p.m., while home deliveries are exempt.
4. Key Exemptions:
Pharmacies, hospitals, petrol stations, utility stores and IT/call centres are exempt from these restrictions.
Reduction in Fuel Consumption
Measures such as remote working and school closures directly affect fuel consumption by restricting physical movement. When non-essential activities decline, demand for transport also falls, resulting in fuel savings.
Lessons Learned from Lockdowns
1. Do Our Homes Waste the Most Energy?
Earlier lockdowns revealed that residential energy consumption increased by around 15 percent. One may ask why.
There were multiple reasons, including inefficient appliances and lights being left switched on throughout the day.
For example, a conventional old ceiling fan may consume around 80-100 watts, while an inverter fan may consume approximately 30 watts. This significant difference highlights the potential for energy savings through efficient appliances.
Imagine if 20 million households switched to energy-efficient fans. Pakistan could potentially save more than 3,000 MW of electricity-equivalent to the output of two power plants.
Further savings can be achieved in the residential sector by operating washing machines, water pumps and irons outside peak hours, particularly before 5:00 p.m.
2. Work From Home Can Save National Energy
Less commuting means lower petrol consumption, reduced electricity use and less air-conditioning demand in offices.
According to an earlier research estimate, even two weekly holidays could save almost 200,000 tons of fuel oil annually.
3. Industries Need Power-Efficient Operations
Many industrial owners realised during lockdown periods that operating 24/7 is not always efficient. Better management of working hours and peak-hour electricity consumption can reduce electricity bills by 20-30 percent without necessarily reducing output.
With limited working hours, industries were forced to manage their operations more efficiently. This experience demonstrated the importance of better energy management.
4. Solar Power and Conservation Must Go Together
Pakistan has significant solar potential. However, solar generation alone cannot solve the country’s energy challenges. Energy conservation must go hand in hand with the transition towards renewable energy.
The Need to Adopt an Energy-Saving Culture
Energy saving does not mean switching off every bulb and living in darkness. With the advent of LED lighting and inverter technology, the objective is to obtain the same level of service while consuming fewer watts.
Pakistan faces a triple challenge: rising fuel prices, energy insecurity and climate change. These challenges emphasise the need to use energy intelligently and responsibly.
Pakistan’s energy demand grows by up to 6 percent every year. At the same time, a significant amount of electricity is lost through distribution losses, including electricity theft through illegal connections.
During times of crisis, the government also instructs offices not to use air conditioners before 11:00 a.m. and to maintain temperatures at 26°C. Unfortunately, such instructions are often not properly followed.
Lockdowns, whether smart or otherwise, are undoubtedly difficult measures. However, they may become necessary under certain circumstances. The bigger question is whether it would be better to adopt energy-saving practices voluntarily and systematically rather than face the pressure and hardship of prolonged load-shedding.
According to one research estimate, if Pakistan saves just 10 percent of its electricity consumption, the country could save more than Rs400 billion every year.
Energy saving is not merely a choice; it is a necessary action for survival.
The Way Forward
Those who think energy saving is a sacrifice or punishment should reconsider. It is not. It is about using energy intelligently and efficiently. Whatever energy we save is effectively energy that does not need to be produced.
At the macro level, Pakistan needs to develop an energy-saving culture.
This culture should begin in schools, where children can be taught simple habits such as switching off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances.
In mosques, khateebs can highlight the Islamic concept of Israf, or wastage, and encourage responsible use of resources.
The media can also play an important role. Television dramas and other popular programmes can incorporate energy conservation into their themes, making the message more relatable and effective.
The lockdown experience also demonstrated that nature can respond positively when people recognise and respect the gifts of the Creator. More importantly, Pakistan needs discipline, public awareness and an honest system of monitoring government policies.
Pakistan is capable of building one of the cheapest and cleanest “power plants” of all-the power plant called conservation.
