CHANDIGARH: With the temperature rising in the Punjab and Haryana above 45 degrees the maximum power demand in the region touched 8700 MW on Friday with power supply of about 1900 lakh units.

On Friday Punjab touched the maximum demand 8640 MW with a supply of 1883 lakh units while Haryana’s maximum demand was 8790 MW with power supply of 1891 lakh units. The power demand in Punjab and Haryana is set to rise further sharply with the start of paddy season on June 13. In a week the power demand in Punjab rose by more than 1700 MW and more than 1300 MW in Haryana.

Today thermal generation of 763 lakh units is from the three private sector thermal plants in the state. The state run thermal plants at Ropar and Lehra mohabatt has not yet started its operation. They are likely to start after the demand picks up further in next ten days.

 Punjab’s maximum power demand is likely to touch 13500 MW and the PSPCL has made adequate arrangements including banking arrangements with Himachal Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other states. According to official sources PSPCL has made preparations to supply 14000 MW during paddy season.

In Haryana power supply of 1891 lakh units consists of 654 lakh units of thermal power. All the three thermal plants in the state sector are operating. Yamuna Nagar thermal supplied 127 lakh units while, Khedar thermal supplied 199 lakh units and Panipat thermal supplied 97 lakh units.

The water level in Bhakra is 491.61 meters which is more than 37 meters higher corresponding to same day last year. Similarly Ranjit Sagar Dam reservoir level of 516.57 meters is 17 meters higher corresponding to last year level.