Punjab: Power demand crosses 12,700 MW
With the paddy sowing season almost 10 days away, the power demand in the state crossed 12,730 MW on Monday afternoon amidst rise in day temperature. Despite recent rain spells in parts of Punjab, the temperature in most parts of the state hovered around 40°C. Due to that reason, the use of air-conditioners and coolers has gone up suddenly, leading to increased power consumption.
According to data collected from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the state was drawing over 7,250 MW power from the Northern Grid while its own generation was 5,300 MW.
“Today all four units at Ropar, three at Lehra Mohabbat and one at Goindwal are operating. One GVK unit is down due to annual maintenance and is likely to become functional on May 26,” said a senior PSPCL official.
The state-run Lehra Mohabbat, Ropar and Goindwal thermal plants have coal stock for 26, 36 and 30 days, respectively. The private thermal plants at Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo have coal stock for 27, 16 days, respectively.
On the same date last year, the maximum power demand was 13,125 MW.
“This year, the maximum power demand in the state is likely to cross 17,000 MW. The drawl from the northern grid is allowed at 10,500 MW and states own supply under ideal conditions will be 6,500 MW. Theoretically, everything seems fine on paper, but the actual situation will depend on a number of factors,” he said.
Climate change-induced heat stress is one of the key factors jacking up the power demand. As per an IMD report, the coming summer months are likely to be hotter than usual. More heatwave days will mean more power consumption.
