LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has started observing a shutdown schedule in addition to the routine loadshedding in the wake of up-gradation/improvement and maintenance of the power supply system during the winter.

The power shutdown schedule for four to eight hours is being observed in all urban and rural areas of Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana apart from the regular loadshedding of three to four hours daily.

According to officials, all Lesco circles have been advised to keep observing the shutdown while replacing the transformers, old cables/wires, poles, equipment, etc. `It is being done to ensure a smooth and troublefree electricity supply to all consumers in the winter and summer,` a Lesco spokesman told Dawn on Friday.

He said there was no increase in the loadshedding hoursasitwasbeing observed for three hours in urban and four hours in rural areas.

He said the shutdown schedule would continue for 10 to 15 more days.

Meanwhile, Lesco`s CEOWajid Ali Kazmi said in a statement said that the upgradation/improvement and regular maintenance of electricity installations would only be carried out during the winter for ensuring a smooth functioning of the system in all seasons, especially summer.

`As many as 350 transformers of 200KV have been provided to seven circles of the Lesco (50 for each circle). And these transformers will be replaced with the old ones of 100KV(if required).Similarly, the old cables and wires will also be replaced,` he said.

Likewise, the cables hanging and passing through tree branches would also be managed by trimming trees during the winter for the smooth supply of electricity, he added.

Meanwhile, the people continue to suffer from the ongoing power shutdowns. `Though reduction in loadshedding has provided a considerable relief to the public at large, the shutdowns being observed by the Lesco has added to our miseries,` Shakeel, a consumer, deplored.

He urged the Lesco to devise a comprehensive plan to ensure electricity supply for maximum time with continuation of maintenance works side by side.