Power demand from farm sector continues to surge in Karnal

Even as the district witnessed a good rainfall last week, electricity demand in the agricultural sector across the district continues to soar, highlighting the intense irrigation needs of farmers during the ongoing paddy season.

On Monday alone, the agriculture sector consumed 74.6 lakh units of electricity—nearly 45% of the total 168 lakh units supplied across the district. This demand surpassed that of both urban domestic users (37.91 lakh units) and rural domestic users (34.14 lakh units), with industrial units consuming 20.49 lakh units.

Data revealed that the demand, compared to last year, was almost the same. In the past one week, consumption shows the persistent irrigation requirements.

A look at the power consumption data over the past week shows a steady rise in agricultural demand. On July 1, the agriculture sector consumed 41.67 lakh units of a total 119.35 lakh units, followed by 61.14 lakh units of 146.67 lakh units on July 2, and 72.80 lakh units of 167.44 lakh units on July 3.

On July 4, agricultural consumption rose to 77.56 lakh units of 174.24 lakh units, and further increased to 80.29 lakh units of 178.10 lakh units on July 5.

There was a slight dip in demand over the next two days—77.14 lakh units of 166.89 lakh units on July 6, and 74.57 lakh units of 168 lakh units on July 7.

Amid the increasing demand, farmers are demanding an increase in power supply hours—from eight hours to 12-15 hours daily. “We are not getting enough water from rainfall and have to depend on tube wells. With only eight hours of power, it is becoming difficult to manage,” said Hunny, a farmer.

Another farmer, Joginder Singh, said, “We have paddy crops in the fields. If electricity supply is not increased, the crops will suffer. Power is our lifeline.”

Naseeb Singh, Superintending Engineer, UHBVN Karnal Circle, acknowledged the growing demand and said the power corporation was working to ensure uninterrupted supply as per schedule. “We are aware of the load increase. Our teams are taking measures to meet the demand,” he said.