Patiala, May 20
Punjab is witnessing a sharp rise in electricity demand due to intense heatwave conditions, with power consumption crossing 14,000 megawatts for the first time this season. Officials said the demand is expected to increase further after paddy transplantation begins from June 1.
According to power department data, the state recorded a peak demand of 14,054 MW on Tuesday afternoon, setting a new seasonal record. The demand later dropped to around 11,000 MW by 8 pm. Earlier, Punjab had recorded a demand of 13,721 MW on May 18, while the highest demand in 2024 stood at 13,027 MW.
To meet the growing demand, 14 of 15 units across five government and private thermal power plants are currently operational at full capacity. Officials said three units of the Ropar thermal plant, all four units of Lehra Mohabbat, both units of Goindwal Sahib, both units of Rajpura thermal plant, and all three units of Talwandi Sabo thermal plant are functioning.
Authorities said power demand is likely to rise further in the coming weeks with the start of paddy sowing across the state.
