Web Desk: The Punjab government is weighing a set of sweeping energy conservation measures, including school holidays, fuel rationing and changes to working schedules, as authorities respond to tightening energy supplies and rising demand pressures across the province.
Officials in the provincial energy department have submitted recommendations proposing a structured fuel distribution mechanism to regulate petrol and diesel consumption. Under the suggested plan, authorities may introduce a coupon-based or digital tracking system, alongside restrictions on fuel access on designated days for different vehicle categories.
Government sources said the proposals are being reviewed in coordination with federal-level conservation efforts, as policymakers explore ways to manage consumption during the ongoing energy strain.
In the education sector, authorities have proposed extending the closure of schools and colleges until April 15. The plan also includes shifting institutions toward hybrid or reduced in-person attendance models to lower electricity usage.
In addition, officials have suggested expanding remote working arrangements for private sector institutions and limiting non-essential events and gatherings as part of broader conservation efforts.
To reduce overall energy consumption, the recommendations also call for adjustments in public services and commercial activity. These include increasing the frequency of metro and bus operations to reduce private vehicle use, scaling back decorative lighting and digital billboards, and modifying streetlight schedules after 10 pm.
Authorities have also proposed restricting market operating hours to further reduce electricity demand during peak usage periods.
Government officials said final approval of the proposals is expected in the coming days, after which phased implementation could begin across Punjab. They added that the measures are part of a wider austerity drive aimed at stabilising energy consumption.
Meanwhile, the provincial education minister said authorities are also considering adjustments to the academic calendar, including shortening summer vacations and ending Saturday school holidays.
Earlier this month, authorities had already announced temporary school closures from March 16 to 31 as part of a federal energy-saving initiative.
Under the existing notification, educational institutions were instructed to allow up to 50% of administrative staff to work from home on alternate days while maintaining essential operations. Examinations, however, were directed to continue as scheduled, while BS-level programmes were shifted to online instruction until further notice.
Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced an early spring break for public and private educational institutions, beginning March 24. The break coincides with the Eid holiday period, effectively extending students’ time away from classrooms to roughly a week.
