Patiala, June 29
For the fourth consecutive day, Punjab’s power consumption has stayed above 16,000 MW, while unscheduled cuts continue to cripple households and industries. Two‑thirds of consumers reported dissatisfaction with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in handling complaints during June.
With the paddy season in full swing, there were four days when complaints crossed the one‑lakh mark. On June 11, PSPCL logged a staggering 1,73,499 complaints. On June 27, 1,00,371 complaints were registered, with 26,651 still pending at day’s end. Shockingly, 3,376 complaints were resolved only after 24 hours. The average resolution time exceeded seven hours, peaking at an outrageous 26 hours 49 minutes on June 21.
Consumer satisfaction with PSPCL’s fault‑redressal hovered between 20% and 35%, meaning 65% to 80% of consumers were left frustrated and angry.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s power demand today crossed 16,900 MW in the afternoon. The state was drawing over 11,000 MW from the northern grid. Its own generation stood at 5,878 MW — 2,954 MW from private generators, 1,566 MW from state thermal plants, and 987 MW from hydro. All four units of the Ranjit Sagar project were running, yet the crisis persists.
