Rains elusive, power demand on the rise

PATIALA: Following intense heat wave and ongoing paddy season, the power demand in Punjab reached its peak with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) meeting an exceeded demand of 12,775 Mega Watts (MW) this afternoon breaking last year’s record demand of 12,542 MW achieved on July 9.

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 26

Following intense heat wave and ongoing paddy season, the power demand in Punjab reached its peak with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) meeting an exceeded demand of 12,775 Mega Watts (MW) this afternoon breaking last year’s record demand of 12,542 MW achieved on July 9.

Officials of PSPCL expect the demand to rise further for the next few days if the rains keep away from the state. On Tuesday, Punjab supplied 2,506 lakh units comprising of 978 lakh units from thermal units and 207 lakh units from hydro stations. The demand for more power is attributed to the ongoing paddy season coupled with the use of more air-conditioners.

In Punjab, all the four units of the Ropar Thermal Plant and three units of Lehra Mohabbat are generating power. Besides this, three power sector thermal stations are also running at full capacity. Solar power is supplying 500 MW during day time. Today Punjab own generation was 6,290 MW and it was drawing 6,352 MW from grid as per its share in the Central sector units and from other sources as per power purchase agreements.

Last week, due to weather vagaries Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) was forced to under-draw up to 100 lakh units a day on June 15, 17 and 18 from its share from the grid as power demand dips after mild rain and storm in some parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the coal stock at the Ropar Thermal Plant and Lehra Mohabbat is sufficient for 38 days and 27 days, respectively. The water level in reservoirs of Punjab continues to be at a comfortable level.

The Bhakra level is at 488.94 m, 33.33 m higher than last year’s level of 455.61 m on a corresponding day. In case of Ranjit Sagar Dam project, the water level is at 511.58 m against last year’s level of 501.79 m. “There is no power cut at all in any city and 24-hour supply is being given to domestic, commercial and industrial connections throughout the state. If there are some interruptions anywhere these are due to local faults,” said Baldev Singh Sran, CMD, PSPCL.