Chandigarh: Raising an issue of grave concern amid the scorching heatwave, the All India Power Engineers Federation has warned about the serious grid disturbance in Punjab due to a sharp increase in power demand. Apart from highlighting the issue of increased power consumption, the letter also reiterated steps to control the increased power demand, including changes in the timing of offices, establishments, evaluation of ‘Free Power Policy’, and allocation of 1000 MW from the central pool.
An increase in the demand for power consumption can be understood as a consequence of the rising mercury. Heatwave persists in the majority of parts of the state. As per IMD, a red alert of heatwave has been issued in 16 districts of the state. With no immediate respite from the monsoon, people are heavily dependent on electrical appliances for the realization of their cooling needs.
Meanwhile, a letter written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann by All India Power Engineer Federation has raised questions on availability and supply of power in the state. The letter addressed to Punjab Government demands immediate measures to control the demand of Power
Exponential increase in Power Consumption
As per the data provided in the letter, the power consumption in Punjab has increased exponentially in comparison to last year. The power consumption has gone up by 43% between June 1 to 15 of 2024 in comparison same period in the year 2023.
In 2023, the maximum demand of power remained at 11309 MW in the month of June whereas now in June 2024, the maximum demand has reached to 15775 MW which is 43% more than the last year. The situation can become worse in the coming days as farmers of Punjab have started the paddy transplantation which would impose extra load on the consumption of power of the state resulting into faults and power cuts.
The letter further discussed measures that can be implemented in order to control the demand and consumption of power in the state. AIPEF suggested that timing of all offices should be changed to 7 am to 2 pm. The decrease in the working hours will significantly reduce the consumption of power over all. It further noted that all the commercial establishments including Malls should be operational only till 7 pm. Simultaneously, peak load restriction should be implemented on the industries of the state.
Paddy Transplantation to be shifted till June 25
The transplantation of paddy should be shifted till June 25. IMD has predicted arrival of monsson in the state by last week of June therefore paddy sowing in state should be halted till the same date and no one should be allowed to violate the date. Letter further mentioned that the water guzzling varieties like PUSA 44 should be banned and encourage varieties like PR126, Basmati, etc. which mature in 90 days.
Evaluation of ‘Free Power Policy’
Increase in power consumption can also be linked with the ‘Free Power Policy’ of the state. The state government is providing ‘Free 300 Units of power’ in the state which has led to increase in the Power demand. AIPEF further requested state government to review the state’s ‘Free Power Policy’ as a part of steps to control the increased demand.
Letter further said that the Minister of Power, Government of India, may be approached to allocate at least 1000MW additional power extra from central pool on top priority in order to deal with the situation of power outage.