Punjab's CM asks centre to provide addl 1,000 MW of electricity allocation

New Delhi: Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reached out to the central government, appealing for the allocation of an additional 1,000 MW of electricity to meet the anticipated surge in demand during the upcoming paddy season. In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Power R K Singh, CM Mann emphasised that the state's generation capacity stands at approximately 6,500 MW, while the peak demand is projected to reach 15,500 MW during the summer season.

To address the impending electricity demand, particularly during the paddy/summer season, CM Mann requested the support of 1,000 MW of power from June 15 to October 10. This allocation is proposed to be assigned to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) from central sector generating stations.

PSPCL closely monitors power availability on the PUShP portal: CM

In his correspondence, CM Mann highlighted that the state power utility, PSPCL, has been closely monitoring power availability on the PUShP (High Price Day Ahead Market and Surplus Power) portal. However, due to the limitations of the collective transaction segment of the power exchange, it is essential for Punjab to secure a firm allocation of Round-The-Clock (RTC) power totaling 1,000 MW from June 15 to October 15.

Protecting paddy cultivation becomes crucial in ensuring national food security

CM Mann emphasised that the requirement for additional power is further compounded by the recent prediction from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) of low monsoon rainfall in North-Western India, including Punjab. Protecting paddy cultivation becomes crucial in ensuring national food security, thus necessitating the request for additional power from central sector generating stations.

Punjab holds 475 MW share in CGPL

Referring to the Ministry of Power's directive issued on February 20, invoking Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for imported coal-based plants, CM Mann pointed out its relevance to Punjab, which holds a 475 MW share in CGPL, Mundra. As the peak demand and paddy season in Punjab commence from June 10 onwards, the state urgently requires round-the-clock power during this period. Therefore, CM Mann urged for an extension of these directions until October 15.

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