Punjab meets all-time high power demand of 16,192 MW

In a historic achievement in Punjab’s power sector, the state successfully met the all-time high peak power demand of 16,192 MW on June 10, surpassing the previous record of 16,058 MW set on June 29, 2024.

The milestone was achieved without imposing any power cuts across various sectors for the first time since country’s Independence.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh said Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) played a pivotal role in achieving this feat. The state’s record-breaking energy demand came just a day after the final phase of the advanced paddy sowing commenced on June 9. He lauded the effective integration of in-state and out-of-state power generation resources, interstate power banking and optimal use of the transmission network.

A senior engineer of the PSPCL acknowledged the immense stress on the system, but said the corporation was managing the demand despite it crossing the 16,000 MW threshold. “The combined effect of the ongoing paddy transplantation and the scorching temperatures has pushed the demand to the extreme levels,” he said.

The state has witnessed a sharp and sudden spike in demand. The first five days of June saw power consumption hovering around 10,500 MW. The demand escalated to nearly 12,000 MW by Friday, rose to 13,550 MW over the weekend, and touched 15,600 MW on Monday before breaching the 16,000 MW barrier on Tuesday — a near 3,000-MW jump within 48 hours.

MeT data revealed that temperatures soared to 46.1°C in Samrala (Ludhiana), while Bathinda recorded a temperature of 45.6°C and the Bathinda airport remaining the hottest, with mercury touching 47.6°C.

Other parts of Punjab also recorded temperatures over 40°C. The sudden return of harsh summer conditions — following a cooler-than-usual May marked by intermittent rainfall — has significantly driven up the agricultural power requirements.

The paddy transplantation in the state, spread over nearly 32 lakh hectares, began in staggered phases from June 1 to June 9, adding to the demand pressure. The PSPCL officials said all thermal power units in the state — both public and private — are running at full capacity to cope with the spike.

In the public sector, the Ropar Thermal Power Plant generated 680 MW, Lehra Mohabbat 830 MW and Goindwal 505 MW of power. Private sector plants also operated at high output, with Rajpura generating 1,325 MW and Talwandi Sabo 1,860 MW.

Additionally, all hydroelectric units, including the three units of the Ranjit Sagar Dam, were operational during the peak afternoon hours.