Patiala: Punjab experienced an increase in power demand on Saturday, as its peak load hit 16,678 MW. The surge was primarily driven by the ongoing paddy transplantation season, despite a temperature drop following recent rainfall and the closure of govt offices on Saturday.

By evening, power demand lowered to 15,000 MW.

According to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) data, Punjab drew 10,494 MW from the national grid, surpassing its allocated 10,235 MW and resulting in an overdraw of 259 MW. The state’s internal power generation remained at 6,174 MW, including from thermal, hydel and solar power sources.

The heightened demand came even as a thermal power unit at the state-run Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant in Ropar stayed offline. The unit was disconnected three days ago due to a technical fault and was declared “ready” to be operational on Friday. However, PSPCL officials opted not to restart it immediately.

Published Date: June 23, 2025