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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
At 31.7°C, Chandigarh sees warmest night of season, power demand sees all-time high of 452 MW
City residents tossed and turned as night temperatures shot up to 31.7°C on Wednesday, making it the warmest night of the season so far. Though there was a marginal dip in the day temperatures, from 43.9°C on Tuesday to 41.9°C on Wednesday, the power demand surged to 452 MW — the highest ever peak demand — amid an ongoing heatwave. The previous peak was 449 MW on June 13 last year, UT administration officials confirmed. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Wednesday night was the season's first 'warm night'. A warm night is declared when the maximum temperature is above 40°C and the minimum goes over 4.5 degrees above normal. On Wednesday, the minimum had gone 5.4 degrees above normal. If the minimum goes over 6.5 degrees above normal, then a 'severe warm night' is declared. This was also the highest the minimum temperature has gone in the month of June since 2022 when it was at 31.9°C. Wait till weekend for some relief Met officials said the temperature is set to remain on the higher side till the weekend. IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul said the temperature continues to be high due to the effect of Westerly winds along with bright sunny weather. However, a fresh Western Disturbance (WD) is likely to bring relief over the weekend. While the WD will start affecting the region from Saturday, residents can expect thunderstorms and light rain from Sunday, he added. Further, rain in Himachal Pradesh will also lead to cooler winds here and the monsoon system is also set to become active again by the weekend, the IMD director said. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature will remain between 42°C and 43°C while the minimum temperature will remain between 31°C and 32°C. How tricity stands power wise Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) said it successfully met the unprecedented load on Wednesday without any breakdowns. 'Our robust planning, network strengthening, and strategic power tie-ups helped us to manage the peak demand efficiently,' said Arun Kumar Verma, director, CPDL. Power demand is expected to climb further, possibly crossing 481 MW, he added. In Mohali, the power demand surged to approximately 1,500 megawatts on Wednesday. However, authorities said, the supply remained stable as the district has an installed power capacity of around 1,900 megawatts, which is sufficient to handle peak demand without disruption. 'There is no shortage of electricity in Mohali. We are comfortably meeting the power requirements of all sectors,' said an official from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Mohali has about 25 grid substations that draw electricity from various sources, including the Rajpura and Ropar thermal power plants, as well as the Ganguwal hydroelectric project. Panchkula residents, however, are grappling with frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations. Unscheduled cuts, especially in trans-Ghaggar areas, have left residents hassled. Mohit Gupta, a resident of Sector-25, cited Wednesday's example and said, 'While a scheduled power cut was announced for parts of Sector-26 from 4.30 pm to 6 pm, electricity was only restored around 7 pm. When contacted, an official from the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) said he was unable to provide day-to-day details regarding power consumption.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh chief secretary orders quick fix to power outages
Chief secretary Rajeev Verma conducted a review meeting of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) on Tuesday following rising public complaints about frequent unscheduled power cuts across the city. The meeting, attended by engineering secretary Prerna Puri, chief engineer CB Ojha and senior CPDL officials, focused on improving the power situation since CPDL took over distribution responsibilities on February 1 this year. During the meeting, Verma expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating power supply quality, particularly highlighting issues of unscheduled outages and delayed response times that have inconvenienced residents. CPDL officials presented a detailed status report outlining both ongoing corrective measures and future plans to stabilise the power supply. Officials informed that CPDL has initiated grid infrastructure strengthening through scheduled maintenance at all substations, especially crucial ahead of peak summer demand. To address immediate fault resolution, CPDL has outsourced specialised Fault Response Teams (FRTs) to ensure quicker complaint redressal. On the consumer service front, CPDL has launched a 24x7 call centre, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline, and now provides both electricity meters and power cables free of cost — items that consumers previously had to purchase themselves. The new system ensures meter installations within 72 hours of application. The presentation also revealed significant challenges, including aging infrastructure with frequent equipment failures identified during post-privatisation surveys and acute staff shortages currently being managed through outsourced manpower. Looking ahead, CPDL is developing a robust cybersecurity framework and an 'islanding network' to maintain uninterrupted power supply to critical services like hospitals during grid failures. The CPDL is also actively implementing the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana to promote solar energy adoption. The chief secretary was also apprised of the ongoing rollout of the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY), along with future projects aimed at expanding and modernising Chandigarh's power delivery network. The chief secretary has directed officials to ensure that power disruption is minimalised and response time be improved.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UT chief secy takes up power cuts with CPDL
Chandigarh: The performance of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited since the transition of distribution responsibilities on Feb 1 was reviewed Tuesday by chief secretary Rajeev Verma. Verma raised concerns over the current power supply quality due to unscheduled outages and delayed responses across Chandigarh. He was subsequently briefed on CPDL's efforts, which include grid infrastructure strengthening and maintenance at all grid substations through scheduled shutdowns. The chief secretary was also informed about the customer service initiatives, featuring a newly launched 24×7 call centre and a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for consumers. In addition, CPDL enhanced its services by installing new electricity meters within 72 hours. It also supplies both the meter and the power cable — items consumers previously had to purchase themselves, Verma was told. The detailed presentation by CPDL management also highlighted several pressing challenges, including the ageing infrastructure, with frequent equipment failures due to outdated systems identified during a post-privatisation survey. It was informed that proactive summer preparedness, involving targeted maintenance at grid substations to pre-empt heat-driven demand peaks, was being done to ensure minimum inconvenience to the residents of Chandigarh. To strengthen its power distribution infrastructure, CPDL has outsourced fault response teams to ensure that consumer complaints and technical faults are addressed promptly.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Unauthorised structures near power lines to invite action
City residents who have constructed or extended buildings, balconies, boundary walls or other structures close to overhead power lines or have encroached poles/lines may soon face consequences, officials of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) said in an official press release on Monday. 'Unauthorised constructions that pose significant safety risks and violate electrical safety regulations may lead to penal action,' CPDL said. According to the Regulations 60 and 61 of Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010, and along with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Section 53 and 68(5) and 161), there are mandated minimum clearances/distance that must be maintained between electrical lines/installations and nearby structures. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The specified clearances (distance) are crucial to prevent electrical hazards and ensure the safety of residents and property. CPDL officials stated that any loss of life or property resulting from non-compliance with these regulations will hold the violators accountable. Penal action may be initiated against those who fail to adhere to the prescribed safety standards. Building owners are advised to remove any unauthorised structures that violate these clearance requirements. Failure to comply may result in the removal of such structures by municipal authorities or local bodies, etc., in accordance with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations, officials added. For more information, consumers can contact the helpline number 9240216666 or email at connectcpdl@ Minimum specified distances Low voltage lines (up to 415 Volts): Minimum vertical clearance: 2.5 metres Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 metres High voltage lines (above 415 Volts and up to 11 kV): Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 metres Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 metres High voltage lines (above 11 kV and up to 33 kV): Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 metres Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 metres Extra high voltage lines (above 33 kV): Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 metres (plus 0.30 metres for every additional 33 kV or part thereof) Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 metres (plus 0.30 metres for every additional 33 kV or part thereof)
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Tampered power meter? Come clean by June 9 to avoid legal action
The Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has launched a Voluntary Declaration Scheme (VDS), offering consumers a final opportunity to admit to tampered electricity meters without facing legal action. The scheme is specifically designed for consumers who have tampered with their electricity meters and now wish to regularise their connections. In accordance with the 2018 regulations of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), CPDL is offering consumers a one-time chance to admit their wrongdoing and rectify it. According to CPDL, no complaint or police case will be registered in connection with meter tampering as long as the disclosure is made before June 9. Moreover, the penalty — a 12-month assessment fee — will be halved to a six-month fee. CPDL has clarified that this is a one-time opportunity, and after this period, strict action will be taken under regular rules if meter tampering is found. Therefore, consumers are urged to take advantage of this scheme within the stipulated time and regularise their electricity connections. New meter's cost to be borne by the consumer Under this scheme, consumers will be required to get a new meter installed and the cost of the new meter will have to be borne by them. The electricity meter and service cable will be provided and installed by CPDL, eliminating unnecessary delays, and making the entire process seamless and convenient. Also, to streamline the process, CPDL has stated that the new meters will be installed within 72 hours of payment. To avail of this scheme, consumers can visit the CPDL website at to learn about the process or contact their respective SDO (sub-divisional officer) offices. For more information, consumers can contact the helpline number 9240216666 or email at connectcpdl@
