Chandigarh: Punjab is witnessing a sharp rise in electricity demand in September, with consumption crossing 16,000 MW amid high temperatures and inadequate rainfall. The situation has been further strained by the shutdown of two units at private thermal power plants.
Power demand in the state is around 4,000 MW higher than during the same period last year, placing additional pressure on the power system. To meet the increased requirement, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is procuring electricity from multiple sources.
Officials said that by Saturday afternoon, around 11,962 MW of power had been procured from the central pool.
The supply situation has worsened due to technical problems at two private thermal plants. A 700-MW unit at the Nabha thermal plant and a 660-MW unit at the Talwandi Sabo thermal plant are currently out of operation.
The shutdown of the two units has resulted in a combined generation shortfall of around 1,360 MW, adding to the pressure on Punjab’s electricity supply system.
