Chandigarh: After days of intense heat and mounting electricity demand, Punjab may finally see some relief as weather officials predict rainfall in several parts of the state over the next two days. The expected change in weather is likely to reduce temperatures and ease pressure on the state’s strained power supply system.
Officials from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) believe electricity demand could drop significantly once the showers arrive. According to estimates, consumption may decrease by nearly 3,500 MW compared to the current peak levels recorded during the heatwave.
The development comes at a crucial time, with the paddy cultivation season set to begin shortly. The agriculture sector traditionally drives a sharp increase in electricity usage due to continuous operation of tubewells for irrigation.
Over the past week, Punjab witnessed unusually high power consumption as soaring temperatures pushed residents and businesses to rely heavily on cooling appliances. Despite revised government office timings aimed at lowering daytime demand, electricity usage continued to remain near record levels.
Power officials stated that peak demand crossed 13,600 MW on multiple occasions, while daily power supply remained exceptionally high throughout the week. To balance the system, authorities were forced to introduce scheduled cuts for certain consumer categories, including parts of the industrial sector.
Engineers associated with the power department said the restrictions became necessary due to the widening gap between electricity demand and available supply during extreme weather conditions.
Data from the current month also reflects the increasing burden on the power network. Average daily electricity supply during May remained higher than the same period last year, highlighting the growing consumption trend across domestic, agricultural, and commercial sectors.
Experts say rising urbanisation and the increasing use of air conditioners, coolers, and other electrical appliances have added significant pressure on the grid. Subsidised electricity schemes and expanding agricultural power usage have also contributed to the surge.
At present, multiple thermal power units across the state are operating to maintain supply. Hydropower generation is also being utilised during evening hours when solar energy production declines after sunset.
While the anticipated rainfall may provide temporary breathing space, officials warn that demand is expected to climb again once weather conditions stabilise and paddy transplantation begins at full scale in the coming days.
