Punjab Newsline
Power demand increases in Punjab Power demand increases in Punjab
VINOD KUMAR GUPTA
Thursday, 24 September 2009
CHANDIGARH: An early withdrawal of monsoon has increased the power demand in the northern states.

The power demand in the northern region has increased to 7929 lakh units on September 23 against power demand of 5838 lakh units on September 11 when it was raining in the region. The power shortage has also increased from 334 lakh units to 1221 lakh units during the same period.

In Punjab the power demand has risen to 1841 lakh units on Wednesday against power availability of 1306 lakh units forcing the PSEB authorities to impose long power cuts in the state. On September 11 the power demand had taken a dip to 1214 lakh units with shortage of only 89 lakh units. An early withdrawal of monsoon has increased demand from the agricultural sector for energising pumps as power supply for paddy is maintained by PSEB up to end September.

In the adjoining Haryana the power position followed the same pattern. Today power shortage is around 155 lakh units with power availability of 1017 lakh units.10 days back the power demand was 710 lakh units against power availability of 679 lakh units.

Power ministry and Central Electricity Authority have also indicated that the mismatch between demand and supply across the country is set to increase further. With signs of economic revival power demand in the manufacturing and engineering sectors has also increased.

Sushil Kumar Shinde Union Power Minister said last week that the demand from increased manufacturing activities and the rising energy needs of a rapidly growing consumer base has resulted in a situation where the energy supply falls far short of the demand.