Erratic monsoon raises power demand in Punjab

Gagandeep Ahuja | Patiala

Following 64 per cent deficient rainfall all over the country and 76 per cent deficient in the north-west region in the last week, the demand for power in Punjab has soared which reached 1,971 lakh units against 1,504 lakh units against the last corresponding day, a 30 per cent high on Monday.

Speaking to The Pioneer, Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) chairman Harinder Singh Brar said: “Our own thermal power projects are running in full capacity whereas the availability of hydel power has been reduced due to lesser release of water by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) from Bhakhra and Pong Dams.”

The reservoir level of Bhakra dam is 1,588 feet as compared to the last year’s level of 1,655 ft, whereas at Pong Dam,level rests at is 1,312 ft against last year’s 1,368 ft.

“Due to less water in the reservoirs, the release of water from Bhakhra is 20,392 cusecs against last year’s discharge of 27,030 cusecs and that from Pong, it is 5,012 cusecs only in comparison to the last year’s outflows of 14,804 cusecs which has led to scarcity of about 400 MW of hydel power. The overall availability of power on August 9 was 1,558 LUs against 1,422 LUs last year,” said Brar.

Brar further said: “Though more power is available as compared to last year, unscheduled power cuts have to be imposed due to huge gap in demand and supply. In order to reduce unscheduled power cuts, PSEB has bought 185 LUs of power at Rs 7 per unit and liquid fuel power of 60 MW at Rs 8 per unit.”

“The board has also resorted to overdraw whenever possible but as the present frequency is less than 49.2 Hertz the cost of such drawl crosses Rs10 per unit,” he added.

“As per weather forecast, there is no respite from heat and the rainfall will be eluding Punjab for another few days. So the regulatory measures taken by PSEB and power cuts of 6-7 hours in both rural and urban areas will continue. On an average seven hours power supply to tube-wells against committed eight hours will be provided,” added Brar.