Frequent power breakdowns ailing industry
Ludhiana: Frequent load-shedding and irregular power supply is giving sleepless nights to industrialists in Ludhiana. Though the govt has been promoting Invest Punjab and ease of doing business, taking care of the basic needs of industry like power and water supply is the need of the hour.
With temperatures rising, the situation has worsened, causing substantial operational disruptions to various manufacturing units, particularly in key industrial hubs like the focal points.
The problem also lies in the outdated distribution infrastructure, especially the ageing conductors and wires, that cause power tripping.
OP Bassi, president of the Focal Point Phase 8 Industrial Association, said, "These old systems continue to hinder smooth power distribution, leading to regular tripping and breakdowns."
Explaining that the implications of even a momentary power trip are much more in the industrial sector, he said, "If there is even a one-minute power failure, it interrupts the work of electric machinery that is equivalent to an hour's downtime. In case of a 30-minute power cut, it takes up to four hours to reheat furnaces and resume operations. This is not just hurting industrial productivity but also causing massive losses to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
"
Though govt representatives recently claimed that large transformers have been installed to address the issue and ensure uninterrupted power supply, Bassi said that alone is not enough. "Other infrastructure, including conductors, also need to be fixed," he added.
Echoing similar concerns, Pankaj Sharma, president, Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU) said, "Unannounced power cuts have increased significantly in recent weeks. The industry is already battling labour shortage. Add to that the power crisis, and it becomes almost impossible to maintain timely production schedules."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Frequent power breakdowns ailing industry
Ludhiana: Frequent load-shedding and irregular power supply is giving sleepless nights to industrialists in Ludhiana. Though the govt has been promoting Invest Punjab and ease of doing business, taking care of the basic needs of industry like power and water supply is the need of the hour. With temperatures rising, the situation has worsened, causing substantial operational disruptions to various manufacturing units, particularly in key industrial hubs like the focal points. The problem also lies in the outdated distribution infrastructure, especially the ageing conductors and wires, that cause power tripping. OP Bassi, president of the Focal Point Phase 8 Industrial Association, said, "These old systems continue to hinder smooth power distribution, leading to regular tripping and breakdowns." Explaining that the implications of even a momentary power trip are much more in the industrial sector, he said, "If there is even a one-minute power failure, it interrupts the work of electric machinery that is equivalent to an hour's downtime. In case of a 30-minute power cut, it takes up to four hours to reheat furnaces and resume operations. This is not just hurting industrial productivity but also causing massive losses to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). " Though govt representatives recently claimed that large transformers have been installed to address the issue and ensure uninterrupted power supply, Bassi said that alone is not enough. "Other infrastructure, including conductors, also need to be fixed," he added. Echoing similar concerns, Pankaj Sharma, president, Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU) said, "Unannounced power cuts have increased significantly in recent weeks. The industry is already battling labour shortage. Add to that the power crisis, and it becomes almost impossible to maintain timely production schedules."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Power demand in Punjab rises sharply amid staggered paddy season
Patiala: As the staggered paddy transplantation began across Punjab from June 1, the state's power demand is showing a sharp upward trend. On Friday, the electricity demand hovered near 12,000 MW. The demand surged to 11,961 MW, according to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Power experts anticipate that the full impact of the paddy cultivation load would be felt after June 9, when the third phase of transplantation kicks off. Despite the commencement of paddy plantation, the first five days of June recorded relatively moderate demand — around 10,500 MW — due to rain and unusually low temperatures. The upward shift in demand follows an unexpectedly low consumption pattern in May 2025, when Punjab witnessed a dip of over 8.5% in electricity usage compared to the corresponding period last year, recording an average daily supply of nearly 200 lakh units less per day. Power officials attribute the May dip to unseasonal weather. Unlike May 2024, which recorded 12 heat-wave days, this year May was marked by cooler conditions without a single heatwave. This significantly reduced the usage of air conditioners and other cooling appliances, directly impacting electricity consumption. Interestingly, this decline in May followed a sharp spike in April this year when maximum demand touched 11,276 MW — a 10% rise compared to April last year. The daily power supply in April was up by 14%, highlighting the erratic pattern of energy usage driven by changing weather conditions. As the paddy sowing season progresses, the PSPCL is bracing for a consistent increase in demand, especially after June 9. The corporation has assured that adequate arrangements had been made to meet the agricultural and domestic power needs during this crucial period. MSID:: 121676881 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Indian Express
Power outage for four days running cripples Baltana market in Punjab
Following heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Saturday nights, the electricity supply system in Baltana market in Zirakpur, Mohali, has been severely disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to residents and traders. Although a scheduled power cut was announced by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on Sunday, shopkeepers in the Baltana market area claim they have been without electricity for the past four days, resulting in major business losses. According to the traders, their operations have come to a standstill due to the prolonged outage. They allege that linemen are demanding bribes to restore electricity to their shops. Already struggling with low footfall due to the sweltering heat, the traders say they are now facing an added burden of corruption and poor service. Sixteen shopkeepers from the area reported that power has been cut off at their shops for four consecutive days. When they contacted the concerned linemen for resolution, they were allegedly asked to pay Rs 1,000 per shop to get the issue fixed. This demand has sparked outrage among the traders and local residents, who claim that corruption has worsened rather than declining under the current government. The traders further allege that even after paying the demanded amount, there has been no resolution to their problem. They added that the PSPCL officials, including the SDO and JE responsible for the area, have not been answering calls made to lodge complaints. This has added to their frustration, as they continue to face financial losses and operational difficulties. Dairy shop owners, in particular, reported heavy losses as perishable items like milk, curd, paneer, and other refrigerated products worth thousands of rupees are spoiling due to lack of electricity. Residents are also facing severe difficulties, with many forced to rely on candles and generators to meet basic needs. With temperatures soaring during the summer, the demand for electricity has increased significantly. As a result, power faults and strong winds are causing repeated disruptions, leaving people without electricity for hours. While the PSPCL is reportedly receiving a high volume of complaints daily, staff shortages are making it difficult to meet the growing demand. When The Indian Express tried to contact Surinder Singh Bains, the PSPCL Executive Engineer (XEN) of Zirakpur, for a comment, he did not respond to repeated phone calls and WhatsApp messages.
