The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has fully restored normal electricity supply to agricultural feeders across the state, now providing up to 20 hours of power daily—significantly more than the promised eight hours—to compensate farmers for a brief disruption during the peak paddy transplantation season.
Compensation for Temporary Shortfall
PSPCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Dr Basant Garg announced that the state's power situation has returned to normal, with agricultural feeders receiving up to 20 hours of electricity over the past 24 hours. Between June 27 and June 30, some feeders received only six to seven hours of supply instead of the scheduled eight hours. Dr Garg attributed this temporary reduction to an unprecedented surge in electricity demand during a severe heat wave, which left limited power available on the power exchange, along with a strike by contractual workers at thermal power plants that affected generation.
Despite these challenges, PSPCL managed to ensure six to seven hours of daily power supply to farmers by operating round the clock. With the contractual workers' strike now withdrawn and thermal power generating units back in operation, normal electricity supply has been fully restored across Punjab, Dr Garg claimed.
Special Arrangements for Paddy Season
To ensure uninterrupted irrigation during the ongoing paddy transplantation season, PSPCL has made special operational arrangements. Field officers have been instructed to closely monitor feeder-wise supply, optimise power availability, and respond promptly to local issues. Dr Garg reiterated the corporation's commitment to the farming community, stating that safeguarding farmers' interests remains PSPCL's top priority. He assured that every affected farmer would receive the additional electricity needed to compensate for the earlier disruption.
