Overview
- All four units at the 920‑MW Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant in Lehra Mohabbat were taken offline after progressive technical failures that culminated in a complete shutdown on Sunday.
- An indefinite strike by outsourced technical staff has entered its second week with workers refusing to resume until a formal absorption order into PSPCL is issued.
- PSPCL regular employees are working extended shifts but lack the specialised trades for ash handling, clinker removal, high‑voltage switching and turbine work needed to safely restart or repair units.
- The utility is buying large volumes of expensive market power and drawing close to its northern‑grid limit to meet peak summer and paddy‑season demand, raising daily costs by crores of rupees.
- Engineers warn that forcing restarts without trained crews could cause major accidents and long‑term equipment damage, and PSPCL says restoration will be cautious and tied to the outcome of ongoing talks.