Power demand dips as Punjab receives monsoon showers

The power demand in the state, which had gone up to 16,500 MW, has now come down to around 14,500 MW following the recent monsoon rain spell. It is likely to drop further when the state starts receiving regular monsoon showers. With over 55 per cent of paddy sowing already complete, the monsoon showers have brought relief to farmers and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).

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The state government’s decision to allow early transplantation of paddy (from June 1) had earlier increased pressure on the power grid. The state saw record power consumption of 16,711 MW on June 12 at 2 pm. The increased power demand meant more power snags, frequent power outages and more complaints. However, the power demand has been dipping with every rain spell. On Wednesday, the maximum power demand was around 14,500 MW with drawal of over 10,000 MW from the Northern Grid.

On Tuesday, power supply was 3,295 lakh units (LU) with 2,110 LU drawal from the grid. The state’s own thermal generation was 388 LU while hydel generation was 163 LU. The maximum power supply was 3,510 LU on June 13. The average power supply in June has gone up by around 100 LU per day. The inflow at the Bhakra Dam is now 44,869 cusecs, followed by Ranjit Sagar Dam (10,228 cusec) and Pong Dam (16,244 cusec).

The thermal generation is also comfortable with ample coal stock available at all thermal plants, both private and government.