NOW that electricity production has increased, the power inf rastructure is failing to support this amount of energy.

The transmission of electricity generates heat, which ef fects the equipment, and in high temperatures during summer this can lead to failure. Similarly, high demand at peak hours, like Sehri and If tar, can also cause the lines to trip leading to the domino effect, tripping the entire infrastructure, including production sites.

The obvious solution would be to set up new electricity infrastructure to help reduce the load, temperature and chances of failure, but that is a long process which can take years to complete. One quick short-term solution would be to reduce the sudden spikes in electricity demand, to help smooth the flow of electricity and reduce the chances of failure.

Some electrical equipment, like motors, air conditioners, etc., require very high energy when they are turned on, but after some time they revert to a normal energy demand. Such equipment can create a sudden peak demand for energy.

Fortunately, there is a way to reduce this peak demand, that is, by installing capacitors in connection with this equipment.

Capacitors act as storage for electricity.

They hold small charge, and release that charge in sudden bursts. They are normally used for storing charge for camera flashlights. Because of this property they areidealfortheintendeduse to help reduce peak energy demands, as they store and release the extra peak energy demand for such equipment, reducing that demand on the electricity grid.

The government can reduce the peak energy demand by installing capacitor units in every home. The installation of capacitors all over Pakistan will help reduce the energy`s peak demand and electricity infrastructure failure. Besides, it will establish a new industry and create jobs.

Engr.M.Baseer Khan Peshawar