Power situation grim in state
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 10
It would be a tough summer season ahead for the people of Punjab, if the present power scenario in the state is any indication. The imposition of 3 to 4 hour power cuts in the state today has given a clear indication that power situation in the state would worsen in coming days.

Though the PSEB authorities had been maintaining that it would ensure an uninterrupted power supply, the latest demand and supply figures of power shows that people would have to sweat out in the summer season.

All districts of the state today experienced two- three hour power cuts. The duration of power cuts in some districts was 3.5 hours, whereas nearly six districts, including Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, witnessed 4.5-hour cut.

As per data available, against the demand of 1,095 lakh units, the availability is 990 lakh units. Out of the available 990 lakh units, the PSEB is giving 90 lakh units towards the banking, which means a shortfall of almost 200 lakh units.

PSEB officials said because of the shortfall of 200 lakh units, power cuts varying from 3.5-4 hours were imposed in the state today. They further informed that two thermal units - one at Bathinda and other at Ropar, are currently not operational, which had led to a shortfall of 100 lakh units. “One unit of the Bathinda thermal plant is closed for maintenance and will take another two-three days to start functioning. One unit of the Ropar thermal plant has developed a technical snag and take time to become operational,” said a PSEB spokesman.

The maximum demand of power had touched the figure of 2,300 lakh units last year. According to PSEB functionaries, this time demand may witness an increase. “Considering the present power situation in the state, it is unlikely to meet the power demand in the summer season,” said a senior PSEB official.