At 16,249 MW, Power Demand Jumps to All-Time High in Punjab

Experts say demand likely to breach 17,000 MW next week amid ongoing paddy transplantation and heatwave conditions

- Karam Prakash

PATIALA: Punjab on Tuesday recorded its highest ever power demand at 16,249 MW as sweltering heat continued in the state, according to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) data.

The previous highest power demand was 16,089 MW, recorded on June 29 last year. Experts said Punjab's power demand is likely to breach 17,000 MW next week amid the ongoing paddy transplantation and heatwave conditions.

"This spike, driven by relentless heat and the paddy sowing season, has put immense pressure on the PSPCL. The load graph at the State Load Dispatch Centre website of Punjab State Transmission Corporation does not show data beyond 16,000 MW and needs to be updated," said VK Gupta, a retired PSPCL engineer.