Punjab’s Power Demand Surges Past 10,000 MW Ahead of Paddy Season

• Apr 24, 2025

Even with the paddy transplantation season still over a month away, Punjab's power demand has already surged past the 10,000 MW mark for the first time this year. According to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the state's electricity demand peaked at 10,298 MW on Wednesday morning.

Officials anticipate a significant rise in demand as the paddy season begins on June 1. “We expect demand to reach up to 17,500 MW during the peak season. Preparations are underway to manage this anticipated load,” a senior PSPCL official stated.

Last year, Punjab recorded its highest-ever power demand of 16,078 MW on June 19, surpassing the previous paddy season peak of 15,325 MW.

The recent surge in consumption is attributed to rising temperatures, prompting increased use of air conditioners and coolers. Officials expect demand to remain around 11,000 MW until the start of the transplantation period.

On the power supply front, coal stock levels at major thermal power plants are stable. The Lehra Mohabbat plant has coal reserves sufficient for 27 days, the Ropar plant for 39 days, and the Goindwal Sahib plant for 41 days. Among private thermal units, the Rajpura plant has a 22-day supply, while the Talwandi Sabo plant has enough for 12 days. All four units at Lehra Mohabbat and Ropar are currently operational, though the Goindwal Sahib plant was not active on Wednesday.

Reservoir levels at the Ranjit Sagar Dam have also dipped, currently standing at 499.24 meters—down 7.44 meters compared to the same period last year.

Highlighting future concerns, a former PSPCL chief engineer projected an annual power demand growth of approximately 7%, equating to an increase of nearly 4,000 MW in the coming years. He emphasized the urgent need to invest in additional infrastructure, including two 800 MW supercritical thermal units and a new solar power plant, to meet the growing energy requirements.