Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Friday claimed that the state was generating power 37.69 percent more than the average demand.
“The power generation in Punjab, as of now, has doubled in comparison with 2007 which explains the surplus status of the state in power sector,” he said.
Sukhbir said that when the SAD-BJP Government assumed reins of the state nine years back, the power generation capacity stood at 6201 megawatt (MW) which expanded by leaps and bounds under the present government to stand at 12,392 MW today, an increase of 99.84 percent.
“Generally the demand for power in Punjab remains between 9000 to 11,500 MW (higher demand) which clearly showcases that the generation of power in state is 37.69 percent more than the average demand,” he said.
Sukhbir, who also holds the power portfolio, said that during Congress government from 2002-2007, Rs 4937 crore were spent on increasing power generation and Rs 2544 crore were spent on development of power supply network.
“SAD-BJP government understood the significance of having robust power infrastructure for developmental purposes and spent Rs 30,000 crore during 2007-2015 on increasing power generation capability while spending Rs 12,309 crore on development of power supply network,” he added.
He said that the State Government also placed equal focus on generating renewable energy which is a clear indication of moving ahead and being in tune with the changing scenario in terms of energy and power sector.
“Punjab has the distinction of being the only state where the largest rooftop solar plant has been established in Beas and it is only yesterday that the largest single location solar power plant having 31.5 MW capacity was inaugurated in village Mirpur Kalan (Mansa),” he said.
Sukhbir said that power supply to domestic, farming and industrial sectors has witnessed record improvement. He added that whereas the neighbouring states are reeling from long power cuts, the Punjab government has separated the feeders of domestic and agricultural sectors in order to ensure 24-hour power supply to both the sectors.