Punjab is in for acute power shortage?
Posted On: 06-Jun-2010 10:30:24 By: Abhijit Prashar

Chandiga Punjab is in for an acute shortage of power during the current financial year if the Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is any indication.

According to the report, the net energy requirement of Punjab during 2010-11 is likely to be 4,8978 million units (MU) against the anticipated availability of only 4,1948 MU. Hence, Punjab is likely to suffer a shortage of 14.4 per cent, which is 7030 MU in the current financial year.

The power shortage in the State would be 37.5 per cent in October 2010, 33.8 per cent in December 2010 and an even 32 per cent in February 2011. The shortage estimated for the current month is 21.6 per cent.

Taking the entire northern region in totality, there would be a shortfall of 12.4 per cent during the current fiscal with Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir being the states facing maximum shortage. The power availability in the State would be 237575 MU against the demand of 271068 MU.

The CEA report works out power shortage as per present allocations and generation by the State thermal and hydro projects. The firm allocation to Punjab is to the tune of 1809.5 mega watts (MW), whereas total allocation is 1980 MW. This does not include any short term purchase made by the State to overcome any emergencies.

Punjab's entitlement from Central Generating Stations is 14682.11 MU, while the actual allocation is 14901.55 MU.

The peak demand in Punjab during 2010-2011 is estimated at 9786 MW with expected peak availability of 7407 MW. Punjab is, therefore, likely to suffer peak deficit of 24.3 per cent, which is 2379 MW during the year.

During 2009-10, Punjab received 4049.6 million units as assistance from different states through banking arrangements or through purchases.

According to the report, Ropar thermal unit would be closed for 118 days for annual maintenance, the Bathinda Thermal Plant would be closed for 60 days for annual maintenance and for renovation and modernisation for 260 days between January 14 to September 30 and for 242 days from January 1 to August 30 in 2011. The Lehra Mohabatt Thermal Plant would be closed for 86 days for capital maintenance and for 70 days for annual overhauling.