The sweltering heat sweeping across Punjab has pushed the state’s power demand to an unprecedented high. On Wednesday, Punjab's electricity consumption soared to a record-breaking 16,078 megawatt (MW), surpassing the previous year’s peak of 15,325 MW recorded on June 23. This spike, driven by relentless heat and the paddy sowing season, has put immense pressure on the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). However, evening showers in some parts of the State offer a glimmer of hope for a potential reduction in demand. 

The power demand, which stood at 15,930 MW on Tuesday, spiked further on Wednesday, marking an all-time high. Officials from PSPCL reported that during the peak demand, Punjab's own power generation capacity was approximately 5,700 MW, while more than 10,300 MW was sourced from the northern grid. 

The power demand in Punjab has been consistently high over the past week, hovering above 15,000 MW. According to the data available, the demand was 15,478 MW on June 13, 15,815 MW on June 14, 15,448 MW on June 15, 15,030 MW on June 16, and 15,484 MW on June 17. 

The high demand has also increased the strain on thermal plants across the State. A unit at the 660 MW Talwandi Sabo power station tripped due to a boiler issue, exacerbating the situation. Consequently, PSPCL has been compelled to purchase additional power to meet the heightened demand, leading to reports of unscheduled power cuts in several areas.

The soaring demand has also led to concerns about coal stocks at various thermal power plants. The Talwandi Sabo plant has only three days of coal stock remaining, while other plants such as Ropar, Goindwal Sahib, Lehra Mohabbat, and Rajpura have coal reserves ranging from 13 to 23 days. This has prompted PSPCL to ensure that all four units of the Ranjit Sagar Dam project are operational to bridge the gap between demand and supply. 

The lack of rainfall has significantly contributed to the high power demand. The reservoir level at the Ranjit Sagar Dam stands at 504.67 meters, over seven meters lower than the previous year's level. This deficit underscores the critical need for rainfall to alleviate the pressure on the power grid. 

Agricultural activities, particularly paddy sowing, have also spiked electricity consumption. Farmers rely heavily on electric pumps for irrigation, further straining the power supply. The PSPCL has assured that power supply to fields will be prioritized at night to avoid daytime cuts, ensuring that agricultural activities continue without interruption. 

Despite the challenges, PSPCL officials remain optimistic about managing the high demand. The corporation has been drawing around 10,000 MW from outside Punjab through the northern grid, supplementing the state's own generation capacity. This strategic approach has so far prevented widespread power cuts. 

However, if the current weather pattern persists, the maximum power demand in Punjab could potentially exceed 16,500 MW in the coming days. PSPCL is prepared to take additional measures, including importing more power and optimizing local generation, to meet this anticipated demand. 

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had held a meeting with PSPCL officials to discuss the situation and formulate strategies to mitigate the impact on the public. The government has assured residents that all efforts are being made to prevent power shortages and maintain a steady supply. 

Officials have also appealed to consumers to conserve energy. They have recommended setting air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius and urged farmers to optimize water use and consider delaying paddy sowing by a week. Additionally, the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) had suggested adjusting office hours and closing commercial establishments earlier to reduce energy consumption.

With the monsoon season approaching, light showers are expected to bring some respite to the region. However, the immediate outlook remained uncertain, and the state continues to brace for potential power cuts if demand remains unchecked. 

“The current situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable energy management practices and the importance of infrastructural resilience in coping with extreme weather conditions. As Punjab navigates this power crisis, the collaborative efforts of the government, PSPCL, and the public will be crucial in ensuring that the state overcomes these challenges without significant disruptions to daily life and agricultural productivity,” said a PSPCL official, requesting anonymity.