Punjab's Power Department, in the year 2023, navigated through challenges, set impressive records, and garnered accolades. Outlining the department's achievements, the Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Sunday highlighted its commitment to provide free power to over 90 per cent of domestic consumers and 100 per cent of agriculture tube wells in the state.
One of the significant milestones achieved is the profit of Rs 564.75 crore witnessed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. Overcoming operational challenges, PSPCL successfully reopened the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine, closed for the past seven years, ensuring a steady supply of low-cost coal to thermal power stations.
The Union Power Ministry recognized PSPCL as the top-performing company among power distribution companies (Discoms) nationwide for its energy conservation measures under the PAT (Performance, Achievement, and Business) program. During PAT Cycle II, PSPCL received 80,686 Energy Saving Certificates valued at about Rs 14.84 crore.
In terms of power demand, 2023 saw PSPCL meet a record demand of 15,293 MW on June 23, marking a seven per cent increase from the highest demand in 2022. Additionally, the Department fulfilled a record energy demand of 3427 lakh units on September 9. The available transmission capacity (ATC limit) was boosted from 7100 MW to 9000 MW, enhancing the state's power import capacity.
Addressing sustainable energy goals, the state government signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in July for 1000 MW of solar power from projects across India at Rs 2.53 per KVH and 200 MW of solar power from Punjab projects at Rs 2.75 per KWH. A 800 MW solar or hybrid power project was fully commissioned by December 2022, with an additional 400 MW scheduled for commissioning by March 2024.
Infrastructure improvements received a boost with the sanction of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) worth Rs 3,873 crores, focusing on enhancing distribution infrastructure. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for modernization works amounting to around Rs 6,000 crore is expected to be approved by the Government of India by March 2024.
In response to industrial needs, PSPCL launched the Industrial Facility Cell (IFC) and a dedicated helpline, streamlining services for the industrial sector. Efforts in recruitment resulted in 4446 hires from April 1, 2022, to December 15, 2023, contributing to the workforce. The newly launched Accident Compensation Policy ensures the welfare of workers, providing ex-gratia of Rs 10 Lakh in case of death due to employment-related accidents.
The Power Department demonstrated swift action during floods, restoring electricity at 595 places across the state, despite infrastructure damage amounting to Rs 16 crores. The One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme was introduced for defaulting consumers, offering reduced interest rates and installment options.
