Most of the electricity in the country is produced by thermal power plants. In 1999-2000, their contribution to total energy production was 70 percent. Thermal plants have acquired this lead since 1988-9. Previously, hydel plants were the largest source of electricity.
Unlike the hydel plants, which are concentrated in northern Punjab and the NWFP, the thermal plants are well distributed throughout the country. The main center for the production of thermal power is Karachi. Other important stations in Sindh include Kotri, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Guddu. Large thermal plants in Punjab are located at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Kot Addu. In Balochistan, there are thermal plants at Quetta, Pasni and Hub.
Two government organizations, The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Karachi Electrical Supply Corporation (KESC) are responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Pakistan. Recently some private organizations have been allowed to generate electricity. Twelve projects have been completed and have started supplying electricity. WAPDA purchases electricity from them and distributes it among consumers.