Punjab faces power shortage as demand hits 16,600 MW

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Industrial feeders to face power cuts from 8 pm to 6 am, PSPCL says

Patiala, September 11

Punjab is facing a power supply shortage as electricity demand in the state has risen to nearly 16,600 MW in September, while generation has fallen following the shutdown of units at Rajpura Thermal Plant and several other thermal plants.

According to information provided by PSPCL, industrial feeders will face power cuts from 8 pm to 6 am amid the supply constraints.

The current demand is significantly higher than last year, when power consumption in September was around 10,000 MW. The sharp rise has added pressure on the state’s electricity supply system.

Farmers have also reportedly faced substantial cuts in their power supply, with only around two to three hours of electricity being made available to them daily, according to the source.

Long power cuts have also been reported in villages and cities, adding to the difficulties caused by the supply shortage.

The decline in availability has been attributed mainly to difficulties in power generation. The shutdown of generating units at thermal plants is reported to be one of the major factors affecting production.

At the same time, Punjab is also facing difficulties in procuring electricity from the central pool. Rising temperatures have pushed up electricity demand, while reduced generation from thermal plants has further widened the gap between demand and available supply.

With government offices scheduled to remain closed on Saturday and Sunday, demand is expected to ease over the weekend. A marginal improvement in weather conditions could also provide some relief to the power system.

However, the situation could deteriorate further if Punjab does not receive rainfall in the coming days, according to the source.