Chandigarh: Punjab is facing an acute power shortage as an early heatwave has driven electricity demand to unprecedented levels for the month of April. With residents increasingly relying on air conditioners and coolers to combat the rising temperatures, the state’s electrical infrastructure is under immense strain. Typically, April does not see such high consumption, but this year, record-breaking demand has been recorded between April 21 and April 27, with peak demand soaring to approximately 11,519 MW. This represents a daily deficit of nearly 900 MW compared to available local supply.
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) previously issued a notification announcing scheduled power shut-offs from April 21 to April 28 in major hubs, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Patiala, citing the need for maintenance to improve long-term supply. However, the reality on the ground has been more severe. Senior officials have acknowledged that rural areas are currently enduring power cuts lasting between 8 to 10 hours, while urban centers are facing at least four hours of daily outages. Technical faults and local infrastructure issues, exacerbated by a staff shortage and the extreme heat hindering repair speeds, have led to even longer unscheduled blackouts in many sectors.
To bridge the growing gap between supply and demand, PSPCL has aggressively sourced electricity from multiple channels. Reports indicate that 372.85 LU (Lakh Units) were procured from state-owned thermal plants and 96.71 LU from hydel sources. Private sector contributions have been vital, with plants in Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo providing 297.64 LU and 339.92 LU, respectively. Furthermore, the state purchased 324.50 LU through short-term market arrangements, while approximately 230 LU were exported under existing banking agreements.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among residents and the industrial sector, as the early onset of peak demand suggests a challenging summer ahead. PSPCL officials have stated that teams are working around the clock to manage the load, but the combination of soaring temperatures and aging infrastructure continues to pose a significant hurdle. As the state nears the end of April, all eyes remain on the power utility’s ability to stabilize the grid before the traditional paddy sowing season further intensifies the electricity requirements of the agricultural sector.
