Punjab’s power consumption grew by over 10 percent to 4,352 million units (MU) in February as compared to 3,911 million units during the same month last year. One of the key reasons attributed to this is that with more consumers applying for new power connections to keep bills under 300 units a month, the subsidy bill and consumption are increasing.

7.4 million units shortage

With 2024 being a leap year, there were 29 days in February. Thus the growth rate of power consumption in February is slightly higher. The power shortage was 7.4 million units this year. However, free power for domestic consumers has added a straight six percent increase per month. — Senior PSPCL official

8% increase in summers

A senior power corporation official, preferring anonymity, said that the power demand during the coming summer and paddy season in Punjab may increase by about eight percent as summer temperature will be on the higher side as compared to last year. As per IMD’s prediction, the weather will be hotter from May to June this year across northern states.

Rise in consumption

January 8.6% | February 11%

As per figures collected from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), in February 2024, power supply by PSPCL stood at 4,352.7 million units, higher by more than 400 million units recorded in the same month a year ago.

As per official data, this year the maximum supply was 1,808 lakh units on February 25 while the maximum supply last year was 1,659 lakh units on February 18. The average supply on February 24 was 1,557 lakh units whereas it was 1,397 lakh units last year.

“There were 29 days in February as 2024 is a leap year. Thus the growth rate of power consumption in February is slightly higher. The power shortage in the state was 7.4 million units this year. However, free power for domestic consumers has added a straight 6 percent per month increase,” said a senior PSPCL official.

“Consumers are applying for new connections and in some houses, we have over three meters and none gets a bill as their consumption is under 300 units. On a conservative average, it is adding over Rs 125 crore per month in the subsidy amount,” a top Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) functionary told The Tribune.

It may be mentioned that the power demand in January in Punjab increased by 8.6 percent as compared to last year’s January supply due to intense cold waves and free 600 units of power for domestic consumers in a by-monthly billing cycle.

 

A senior PSPCL official, preferring anonymity, said that the power demand during the coming summer and paddy season in Punjab may increase by about 8 percent as summer temperature will be on the higher side as compared to last year. As per IMD prediction, the weather will be hotter from May to June this year across northern states.