At 452 MW, Chandigarh sees highest power demand

With soaring temperature, the city today recorded a sharp increase in electricity consumption as the demand reached 452 MW, the highest so far. It is 9 per cent more than 417 MW recorded on the same day last year. The second highest power demanded was of 449 MW on June 13 last year.

Despite the surge, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) managed to meet the peak load without any network constraints or major breakdowns. “Our robust planning, supported by network strengthening through extensive maintenance, strategic interventions like firm tie-ups and access to the power exchange enabled us to handle the operations efficiently,” said Arun Kumar Verma, Director, CPDL.

With temperatures continuing to soar, the city’s power demand is expected to surpass the 481 MW mark. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply and minimal inconvenience to the residents of Chandigarh,” the Director added.

Meanwhile, power supply in Sector 20-A was disrupted after a fully grown tree fell on electricity cables. The tree also damaged a few cars parked nearby.

Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta said the tree fell around 10 am and she immediately informed the horticulture department of the Municipal Corporation and the CPDL. The horticulture workers removed the tree and its branches by around 12 noon following which CPDL workers repaired the damaged cables. The power supply was restored in the area around 2.30 pm, she said, and added that nearby trees were also pruned to prevent similar situation in the future.

With rising temperature, the water level in Sukhna Lake dropped by 6.5 feet, from its maximum capacity of 1,163 feet to 1,156.5 feet. With severe heatwave, nearly 8 mm of water evaporates daily.