The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) has made 16,085 lakh units power available from April 1-9, which is substantially more in comparison to 11,206 lakh units made available during the year-ago period.
It supplied maximum banking power of 1044 megawatt in April so far over 253 MW in the year-ago period. During the ongoing summer season, power demand surge observed in March continued unabated in April due to scorching temperature and heat waves in the state, a statement quoted him as saying.
To meet this extraordinary demand, PSPCL purchased 655 lakh units electricity from power exchange in comparison to 186 lakh units purchased in the year-ago period. This year, PSPCL catered to peak demand of 7,714 MW on April 8, which is 1659 MW more in comparison to peak demand of 6,055 MW recorded on April 9, 2021, he said.
The minister reiterated AAP government’s commitment to providing eight hours of regular supply to agriculture pump sets, and uninterrupted and quality power supply to all categories of consumers including Industry in the state in the upcoming paddy season. The minister said PSPCL is focusing on maximum banking with other states. Starting November 2021, power is being supplied for banking and is being continued right up to April so that the 2300 MW power can be received back during the upcoming paddy season.
He also said that during his meetings with the Union Power Minister and Coal Minister recently the Centre assured supply of additional 20 lakh tonne coal to state’s thermal power stations and additional 30 lakh tonne coal to state independent power producers and allocation of additional power to Punjab. PSPCL’s own Pachhwara coal mine in Jharkhand is not operational since 2015 and concerted efforts are being made to make it operational, he said. To restart the mine, first the physical activity of de-watering of mine was done last week and mining will start by June-end this year. This will further ensure the availability of sufficient coal for the upcoming paddy season, he added.
Source: PTI
