Latest news with #PSPCL
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Months on, PSPCL yet to implement automatic compensation mechanism
Even as Punjab reels under frequent power cuts and consumers face numerous electricity-related issues, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has yet to implement the notified Supply Code 2024, which mandates automatic compensation for violations of minimum standards of performance. The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) had notified the Supply Code 2024 in November 2024, laying down minimum performance standards. The code prescribes automatic compensation ranging from ₹100 to ₹10,000 for certain services, while manual compensation is applicable for others. As per the notification, the automatic compensation mechanism was to come into force three months after the notification, i.e., from February 14. However, more than three months later, the PSPCL has failed to implement it. The services eligible for compensation include delay in restoring power supply, non-resolution of meter-related complaints, delay in releasing new electricity connections or additional load, delay in change of name or shifting of lines and complaints related to incorrect bills, etc. PSPCL director (distribution) Inderpal Singh said, 'I am not aware of this, but will check with the information technology department.' On the other hand, PSERC chairman Viswajeet Khanna confirmed, 'The automatic compensation mechanism is part of Supply Code 2024 and must be implemented without fail. We are reviewing the matter regularly with the PSPCL as it requires certain software upgrades.' Another PSPCL officer admitted that failure to implement penal provisions is affecting the quality of power supply, with residents bearing the brunt. 'Without the implementation of a compensation mechanism, there is no deterrent for underperforming PSPCL employees,' he said. Residents across the state have been suffering from frequent power cuts over the past 15 days. Unscheduled and rotational power outages have been reported from various regions. Overloaded transformers, ageing distribution and transmission lines and repeated infrastructure breakdowns have further aggravated the situation. Under the proposed system, consumers with power load up to 100 kW can lodge complaints with the division-level dispute settlement committee (executive engineer). Those with a load above 100 kW must approach the circle-level dispute settlement committee (superintending engineer) and each district. Consumers (for manual compensation) must submit their compensation claim to the nodal officer of the appropriate forum within 60 days from the date of the cause of action. Once approved by the appropriate forum, the compensation will be adjusted in the consumer's subsequent electricity bill. The PSPCL will also create an online portal for consumers to register and claim compensation. Any compensation payable by the PSPCL due to the negligence or inefficiency of its employees will not be allowed as a pass-through expense in the electricity tariff order. Arrangements in place for uninterrupted supply: Minister Chandigarh Amid frequent power outages in some parts of the state, power minister Harbhajan Singh on Friday announced that the PSPCL had made extensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply and efficient complaint resolution during the upcoming summer and paddy season, as well as in the event of power disruptions caused by heavy rains and windstorms. The minister said the PSPCL has established dedicated control rooms at each zonal level and a central control room at the head office in Patiala to monitor power supply 24x7. 'Consumers can now register power supply or billing-related complaints through the PSPCL mobile app, by sending an SMS or calling 1912, giving a missed call on the toll-free number 1800-180-1512, or by reaching out via WhatsApp on 96461-01912,' he said in a statement.
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Blackout mock drill at 8pm in dist today
As part of Operation Shield, an initiative to enhance emergency preparedness, the district administration of Ludhiana will conduct a complete blackout mock drill on Saturday, from 8.00 pm to 8.15 pm. This exercise will involve 18 villages and the Rajguru Nagar area of the district. The PSPCL will temporarily cut power supply to the designated areas before 8.00 pm and restore it after the drill. The drill will cover the following areas: Bhanohar, Hasanpur, Baddowal, Rurka, jangpur, Khadoor, Haveli, Adda City Dakha, Ajitsar, Issewal, Gahour, Detwal, Kailpur, Baraich, Madiani, Mor Karima, Boothgarh and the Baddowal cantonment area feeder from 66kV Rajguru Nagar. Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain emphasised the importance of this exercise in strengthening the district's preparedness for emergencies. He also requested residents to voluntarily participate by switching off all lights during the drill. 'This collaborative effort will help evaluate the district's preparedness and improve coordination among agencies,' he added.
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
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. MSID:: 121467767 413 |
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Storm aftermath: Ludhiana reels under 22-hour outage
Despite tall promises of uninterrupted power supply and preparations for extreme weather, residents across Ludhiana were left reeling under massive power outages , some lasting up to 22 hours after a fierce sandstorm accompanied by gusty winds swept through the city on Saturday evening. While the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) had assured citizens of robust infrastructure, the storm exposed glaring vulnerabilities. Adding to the frustration, residents claimed there was no clear communication from the authorities regarding restoration timelines. Many alleged repeated calls to helplines went unanswered. 'The power went out early evening and didn't return till the next morning. We had no updates from PSPCL despite several complaints,' said a resident from Model Town. Power supply crumbles despite heavy investment The power supply crisis comes in sharp contrast to recent claims made by Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, who on May 3, 2025, announced transformative upgrades to Ludhiana's power infrastructure during the 2024–25 fiscal year. These included a ₹221-crore investment in upgrading transformers, modernising over 900 km of high- and low-tension lines, and replacing outdated ACSR wires with HTLS conductors. Along this, on March 9 PSPCL central zone has initiated a series of projects worth ₹265 crore aimed at strengthening the electricity supply in Ludhiana and its surrounding areas. The investment included the installation of 234 new distribution transformers, 37 new feeders, and bifurcation of several feeder lines Yet, the storm left 183 feeders of 11 KV lines down, plunging multiple localities into darkness. The worst affected were under the Focal Point division (58 feeders), Janta Nagar (50), Aggar Nagar (33), Model Town (26), and Estate division (23). Manpower crisis worsens restoration efforts Further complicating matters is a severe manpower crisis. The technical staff responsible for complaint handling wagons and bikes, mostly outsourced are on an indefinite strike, leaving restoration work solely in the hands of the already overstretched regular staff. Official data reveals that 76% of lineman and assistant lineman posts are vacant in Ludhiana. The city has only 1,196 such personnel to cater to over 17 lakh power consumers. 'The situation is so grave that our field staff is taking help from daily wagers to carry out basic restoration tasks. This clearly shows the kind of strain we are under', revealed a senior PSPCL official on the condition of anonymity. Infra damage The storm also caused extensive infrastructure damage. Across Ludhiana district, 691 electric poles and 183 transformers were damaged, with losses estimated at ₹2.76 crore. The sub-urban circle bore the worst of it, with 130 transformers damaged with Jagraon (58), Raikot (30), Lalton Kalan (19), Adda Dakha (12), and Ahmedgarh (11). Within Ludhiana city limits, 32 transformers and 146 poles were reported damaged, along with 5.5 km of ACSR lines. Surge in complaints Officials from PSPCL's central zone reported that a total of 39,639 complaints were registered following the storm which usually were around 24,000. So far, 32,560 complaints have been resolved. Among the divisions, Aggar Nagar recorded the highest number of complaints at 8,974, followed by Model Town with 6,731, Focal Point with 5,019, and Janta Nagar with 1,800. Over 50 trees uprooted across city High-speed winds accompanied by rain showers that took the city by the storm on Saturday evening, uprooted more than 50 trees across residential and commercial areas in Ludhiana. The sudden storm left a trail of fallen trees that damaged parked vehicles, snapped electricity lines, and blocked several roads, officials familiar with the matter said. The worst affected include Patel Nagar, BRS Nagar I-Block, Model Gram, Dugri, and various sectors of Rishi Nagar, including A and Z Blocks. Residents reported severe disruptions, with fallen trees blocking roads and crushing vehicles. Khullar Street on Bindraban Road in Ward No 70 also bore the brunt of the storm. Voicing his concerns, Dilbagh Singh, a resident of Rishi Nagar said, 'The storm brought down multiple trees in our area, and several of them fell directly on the electricity lines. We've been without power since evening, and with the roads partially blocked by debris, it's been difficult for anyone to step out. It's been a long and exhausting night for all of us.' Junior engineer Kirpal Singh from the horticulture wing of municipal corporation confirmed the extent of the damage, by stating, 'Around 50 trees have been uprooted in several parts of the city. We are clearing the pathways after receiving complaints from affected areas,' he said. More thunderstorms expected this week After a thunderstorm, followed by light right, swept through the city Saturday evening, the maximum temperature fell by around 7°C, 3.6°C less than the normal for the day, bringing a much-needed respite from soaring temperature that had hovered above 40°C for over ten days. The city was hit by a strong thunderstorm with gusty wind flowing as fast as 50-60 kmph which was followed by light amounts of rain, a total of 3.2 mm, on Saturday evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperature on Saturday was 42°C, which fell to 35.2°C on Sunday. The minimum temperature also saw a fall of around 3°C. On Saturday the minimum temperature was 27°C and on Sunday it fell to 23.4°C, a degree less than the normal for the day. The thunderstorms were caused due to an interaction between the higher westerly winds and lower easterly winds. 'There were westerlies from the Mediterranean which are around 8-10 km above the ground and easterlies from the Arabian sea which are just 1 km above the ground. The interaction of these winds caused the strong storm that swept across north India yesterday,' said director of IMD's Chandigarh centre, Surender Paul. If not as strong as yesterday, thunderstorm like conditions were possible for at least in the coming two to three days, he cautioned. The IMD's daily bulletin also noted that 'isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph' were likely over Punjab during May 25-31. However, he also said that strong rains that can affect the weather significantly were only likely by May end. As per the IMD's latest weekly weather forecast for the city, the temperature is likely to rise but will stay below 40°C in the coming week.
