Patiala: The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) recorded a generation shortfall of 1,265 megawatts (MW) during peak evening hours on Tuesday, prompting scheduled load-shedding across various parts of the state. This comes amid a sharp increase in power demand.
Power Demand and Supply Gap
According to PSPCL's power supply position report for May 12, Punjab's peak power demand touched 10,227 MW at 12:30 pm, compared to 9,143 MW on the corresponding date last year, marking an increase of nearly 12%. The report revealed that total power availability stood at 2,275.69 lakh units (LUs) against an unrestricted demand of 2,301.51 LUs, resulting in a net shortfall of 25.83 LUs for the day.
Generation Details
Own thermal generation contributed 321.61 LUs, while hydro generation added 77.84 LUs. However, generation from the Upper Bari Doab Canal Hydel Project remained shut after flood damage last year, with restoration work still pending. Additionally, one unit each at GGSSTP Ropar and GHTP Lehra Mohabat was shut down due to maintenance and technical faults.
Power Purchases and Costs
To bridge the gap, Punjab purchased 1,711.91 LUs of power from central sector allocations, private power producers, and electricity exchanges at an average rate of Rs 4.41 per unit. This cost the state approximately Rs 75.5 crore in a single day.
Load-Shedding Impact
Officials confirmed that scheduled power cuts were imposed in several districts under rotational load-shedding, particularly affecting rural and high-loss feeders. The districts impacted included Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran.
Official Statement
PSPCL director (distribution) Inderpal Singh, who also holds the charge of director (generation), denied any overall power shortage. He stated, "There are no power cuts imposed. Sometimes power is regulated on high-load feeders during night peak hours due to tripping or demand fluctuation."
