Generators, UPS batteries selling like hot cakes

RAWALPINDI—Anticipating a surge in load shedding in the upcoming days, the sale of generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) batteries has increased in Rawalpindi.
People have started purchasing generators and UPS batteries after the reports of six to eight hours of load-shedding this summer due to an increase in the shortfall of power generation.
The demand for Chinese power generators is increasing gradually. Average prices of 10, 15 and 20 kva generators are Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 respectively. The demand of heavy-duty generators, for running air-conditioners and other high electricity-consuming items, has also increased and their price ranges from Rs 75,000 and Rs 1 million.
Arshad Amin, a UPS dealer, said that the sale of UPS batteries had increased and manufacturers had doubled their production to meet the growing demand. He said that the prices had also rocketed. Arshad said that two tube-lights and two ceiling fans could be operated for about five hours with a UPS setup, having a battery capacity of 105-ampere per hour. Nawal Ahmed, a customer, said continuous load shedding had created many problems.—Agencies