Chandigarh, June 8
Punjab’s electricity demand surged to 14,200 MW on Monday afternoon, the highest so far in June, as soaring temperatures gripped the state. The spike led to unscheduled power cuts across cities and semi-urban areas, compounding routine load shedding.
With households increasingly shifting from gas to electricity, pressure has merely transferred from one stressed system to another. The state’s free 300 unit’s monthly power scheme has also contributed to enhanced domestic consumption.
Two consecutive Western Disturbances had earlier kept demand below 13,000 MW, coinciding with the first two phases of eight-hour power supply on June 1 and June 5. Demand is expected to rise further once the third phase of eight-hour supply for agricultural tubewells begins.
On Sunday, demand stood at 12,250 MW, while Saturday recorded 12,700 MW. Last year, the corresponding day witnessed 13,565 MW.
Punjab’s own gross generation crossed 5,200 MW on Monday afternoon. The state procured cheaper solar power during the day, with Ranjit Sagar Dam units operating after solar generation tapered off. State-sector thermal plants ran at half load, producing 1,590 MW, while private generators contributed 2,540 MW. Solar generation stood at 360 MW. One unit at Ropar remains under annual maintenance and is expected to be revived by the weekend.
Coal stocks remain comfortable: all state-sector thermal plants have reserves exceeding one month. Rajpura thermal plant holds 27 days of stock, while Talwandi Sabo has 20 days.
