Rains in Punjab has left industries powerful — at least for the time being. As the State received widespread rain subsiding power demand, the Punjab State Power Corporation limited (PSPCl) has “for the time being” lifted the restriction of three-weekly-offs imposed on the industry.
“Due to widespread rains all over Punjab, the demand of power has eased and as such PSPCl has relaxed weekly offs on industry,” said PSPCl chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) KD Chaudhri. He made it clear that there was no power cut on any category of consumers and PSPCl is giving more than scheduled power supply to farmers (agriculture pumpsets consumers) of the State as well.
Giving details, Chaudhri said that all units of thermal plants are functioning to its full capacity and despite closure of Ranjit Sagar Dam Power Plant, the demand of 1850 lakh units is being met from own generation, central sector allocations and long or short term power purchase. He hoped that with temperature staying low, the demand of air conditioners will come down and PSPCl will be able to meet the demand within the resources available.
“Regulatory measures will only be imposed if the unprecedented rise in demand is noticed,” he added. Chaudhri also informed that PSPCl Engineers and officials are working day and night to restore power generation from Ranjit Sagar Dam power Plant. “With the power generation from Ranjit Sagar Dam, the availability of power will increase thereby diminishing further the need of any regulatory measure,” he added. He said that due to shortage of power during July, PSPCl was forced to impose weekly off days on industry and position worsened due to flooding of Ranjit Sagar Dam Pathankot.