Brace for power outages as paddy sowing begins today

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, June 9

As the paddy sowing season starts from tomorrow, the power demand in the state is bound to shoot up due to eight hours of uninterrupted supply to be provided by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to nearly 14-lakh consumers in agricultural power (AP) category to run their tubewells.

As the PSPCL estimates that the demand of farm sector alone could reach 4,000 MW, the consumers of other categories, including domestic, commercial and industry, are bound to feel the pinch.

Senior PSPCL officials indicated that as on the afternoon on June 9, the state was drawing nearly 5,200 MW of electricity against its average daily power generation of nearly 2,000 MW. “We are drawing some 800 MW power from hydropower projects, 500 MW from renewable energy sources while around 700 MW is being drawn from private power plant at Rajpura,” officials said.

Considering the long-term power purchase agreements and power banking (during lean season) which would provide additional power required for farm operations during the month, disruptions in power supply along with scheduled and non-scheduled shutdowns amid scorching heat could not be ruled out.

Though the rains have brought little respite in the month of May and first week of June, with mercury rising with each passing day now, the demand for electricity at urban feeders may rise, official said.

“Average daily demand for power in the state during peak summer inclusive of power supply to run tubewells is estimated at around 14,000 MW but it has been rising by eight to 10 per cent year on year. However, with industrial units not working to their full capacity after the lockdown and demand from urban areas has also dipped due to partial opening of shopping malls, commercial complexes, hotels/restaurants and other such non-essential sectors, the power scenario as on date seems comfortable,” said an official.

PSPCL officials said the forecast for a good monsoon in the region can also reduce power demand, which can help to ensure supply to other categories of consumers.

Fact file

• Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has assured to provide uninterrupted supply to nearly 14-lakh consumers in agricultural power (AP) category
• The demand of farm sector alone could reach 4,000 MW, the consumers of other categories, including domestic, commercial and industry, are bound to feel the pinch
• Disruptions in power supply along with scheduled and non-scheduled shutdowns amid scorching heat could not be ruled out

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