30-05-2025
Ahead of paddy season, PSPCL prepares to meet rising power demand
Patiala: As the paddy sowing season is scheduled to commence from June 1, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is gearing up to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, particularly for irrigation purposes.
As demand surges across the state, energy planners are closely monitoring peak load scenarios, with some experts warning of possible power cuts if consumption exceeds manageable limits. However, a favourable weather forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) can provide a much needed relief.
"We proactively enhanced the PSPCL power import infrastructure, increasing its available transmission capacity (ATC) to 10,400 MW.
This represents a significant step up from last year's increase of 7,100 MW to 9,800 MW, aimed at managing the anticipated summer surge in demand," said a senior PSPCL official requesting anonymity.
"Around 6,600 MW, including hydel generation, is managed within the state. We'll be able to meet the power demand, which is anticipated to be around 17,000 MW this paddy season. However, there may be power cuts imposed only in case of tripping of 220 KV units," said the official.
Energy consumption in Punjab saw a sharp increase this April, with the maximum power demand reaching 11,276 MW — a 10% rise compared to 10,061 MW in April 2023. To meet this demand, the PSPCL supplied an average of 1,752 lakh units of electricity daily, marking a 14% increase from 1,532 lakh units during the corresponding period last year. In the last three days of April, daily supply even surpassed 2,000 lakh units.
Despite the mounting pressure on the grid, the PSPCL is maintaining a strong energy generation base.
The total installed gross capacity from all sources currently stands at 14,893.08 MW, including 8,406.94 MW within the state.
With a comprehensive plan in place and multiple sources of energy at its disposal, Punjab is cautiously optimistic about managing the power load through the paddy season, even as it continues to invest in infrastructure and sustainable alternatives.
"While we made all provisions to meet peak demand, there may be instances where brief cuts become necessary to stabilise the grid," said another senior PSPCL official.
"That said, IMD's favourable monsoon outlook could ease irrigation-related demand," the official added.
Power Generation Capacity of Punjab
Thermal capacity: 2,300 MW
- Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant, Lehra Mohabbat: 920 MW
- Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ropar: 840 MW
- Guru Amardas Thermal Plant: 540 MW
Hydropower Contribution: 1,015.25 MW
This includes Punjab's revised 452 MW share from the Ranjit Sagar Dam (RSD), down from 600 MW after adjusting for shares to J&K and Himachal Pradesh.
Other contributors:
- UBDC: 91.35 MW
- Mukerian Hydel Project: 225 MW
- Anandpur Sahib Hydel Project: 134 MW
- Shanan: 110 MW
- Micro Hydel Projects: 2.50 MW
Renewable Energy
- Private PEDA & NRSE projects within Punjab: 1,271.72 MW
- Solar rooftop net metering systems: 439.97 MW
- NRSE private projects outside Punjab: 1,217 MW
Independent Power Producers
- NPL Rajpura: 1,400 MW
- TSPL: 1,980 MW
Additional allocations include 4,128 MW from the central sector and 1,141 MW from the BBMB, which comprises contributions from the Bhakra, Dehar, and Pong projects.
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