Power demand in Punjab hits all-time high of 16,836 MW amid scorching heat, paddy load
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 11, 2025:Despite Wednesday being a government holiday on account of Kabir Jayanti, Punjab’s power demand soared to an all-time high of 16,836 megawatts (MW) due to an intense heatwave combined with the seasonal paddy load.
According to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the state was drawing over 10,243 MW from the Northern Grid, while its own gross generation stood at 6,600 MW.
All state-run thermal units and hydropower plants, including all four units of Ranjit Sagar Dam, were operating at full capacity.
Breakup of Power Generation at Peak Demand:
- State Thermal Generation: 2020 MW
- Private Thermal Generation: 3192 MW
- PSPCL Hydropower Generation: 950 MW
- Solar Generation: 395 MW
On Tuesday, the state had also broken its previous record by touching 16,249 MW, surpassing last year’s peak of 16,089 MW recorded on June 29.
Rising Trend and Forecast:
With temperatures reaching up to 44°C and heatwave conditions intensifying, PSPCL anticipates that the maximum power demand may soon cross 17,000 MW.Officials assured that the state is prepared to meet the rising demand by importing additional power and optimizing local generation.
The drawing limit from the Northern Grid is currently 10,400 MW, while ideal in-state power availability is estimated at 6,600 MW.
Power Supply Data:
- Tuesday: 3383 lakh units supplied, 16,246 MW peak demand
- Monday: 3295 lakh units supplied, ~15,640 MW peak demand
The coal stock across thermal plants is reportedly sufficient:
- Lehra Mohabbat: 21 days
- Ropar: 34 days
- Goindwal: 28 days
- Rajpura (Private): 31 days
- Talwandi Sabo (Private): 23 days
Bhakra Dam’s water level stands at 1555.4 feet, which is 28 feet lower than the 1584.2 feet recorded on the same day last year.At Ranjit Sagar Dam, the level is 506.9 meters, slightly down from 507.20 meters last year.
With the early June cool spell now gone, PSPCL officials warn that the demand surge is likely to continue and are monitoring the situation closely.