Scattered rain fails to ease Punjab’s electricity demand as consumption remains high

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Patiala, July 1

Punjab’s electricity demand remained above 17,000 MW for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as scattered rainfall failed to bring significant relief from high consumption across agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors, officials said.

According to officials of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the state continued to experience high electricity demand due to ongoing demand from farmers, households, and industries. The power utility supplied more than 17,000 MW to meet the state’s requirement.

A senior power department official said light rainfall in some areas did not have a major impact on the overall electricity demand.

Officials said the reopening of schools after the summer break and the return to regular office hours also contributed to increased daytime consumption, offsetting any reduction caused by slightly cooler weather.

To manage peak demand, Punjab relied on electricity from both its own power plants and the national grid. State thermal and hydel power plants generated over 6,000 MW, while more than 11,000 MW was sourced from the central pool, officials said.

Meanwhile, a 250 MW unit of the Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat in Bathinda remained shut due to a technical fault. Repair work on the unit was underway.

PSPCL officials said the power supply system was being closely monitored and expressed hope that demand pressure would reduce in the coming days as weather conditions are expected to improve.

Experts said continued electricity consumption by the agriculture, industrial and domestic sectors has kept Punjab’s power demand close to record levels.