Punjab is expected to receive rain and thundershowers in the next 48 hours, which is likely to bring down the peak electricity demand in the state as consumers continue to face power cuts amid the sweltering heatwave.
According to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the peak demand is expected to drop by more than 3,500 MW following a fall in temperatures. The upcoming showers are also expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers involved in paddy cultivation.
“From over 13,000 MW supply, we are hopeful that there will be some temporary relief due to the showers, and power demand is expected to come down,” said an official of the PSPCL.
Punjab and neighbouring states have been experiencing an intense heatwave over the past three weeks. While occasional dust storms have given some relief to residents, most parts of northern India are still reeling under the heatwave. With this, the peak demand for electricity has shot up in recent weeks, forcing PSPCL to enforce power cuts to maintain supply in the state.
The maximum power demand and supply in Punjab remained high last week during the heatwave conditions despite the shifting of office timings from Monday onwards.
Peak demand remained between 13,600 MW and 13,850 MW, and daily power supply ranged from 2,592 lakh units (LU) to 2,782 LU.
Earlier this year, too, heatwave conditions caused dramatic, short-term spikes in electricity demand, which shot up by more than 30 per cent within just five days.
However, with temporary relief from rain, the demand is expected to rise substantially again after three to four days of good weather predicted from tomorrow, especially with the first phase of eight-hour power supply for the paddy season set to begin in the coming days.
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