Power demand in Punjab increases as cold wave intensifies
VINOD KUMAR GUPTA
Thursday, 07 January 2010
CHANDIGARH: The power demand in Punjab and Haryana has increased during this week following fall in temperature and continuance of cold wave in the region.

The power demand in Punjab has increased by over 100 lakh units in the last few days and so power cuts of various durations have been imposed on different sections of consumers. The increase in power demand in Haryana during same period is over 138 lakh units.

Punjab is facing power shortage of 182 lakh units whereas the power supply in the state is 793 lakh units. One thermal unit each at Lehra Mohabatt and Bhatinda is under shut down due to technical faults for last more than 10 days. According to sources both units are likely to be revived by Sunday. One unit of Ropar thermal plant which was under break down was revived today morning.

Punjab is facing peak load shortage of 835 MW during evening hours and the state is meeting peak load demand of 4238 MW. The thermal units in state are producing 451 lakh units while it is over drawing 33 lakh units from northern grid.

In the adjoining Haryana the state is facing power shortage of over 138 lakh units daily. The supply of 699 lakh units daily is not sufficient to meet the total requirements of consumers. On Wednesday 5 units of Panipat Thermal plants were under break down due to different reasons. Three units are expected to be revived today while other two units will come by Saturday.