E-Paper
Punjab predicted to remain energy deficient in summer
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has said that Punjab maybe power surplus overall for the financial year but in the summer months of June, July and August, it is likely to face energy shortage from 6 to 11%. It does not take in to account the prediction that monsoon will be 88% of normal.
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Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has said that Punjab maybe power surplus overall for the financial year but in the summer months of June, July and August, it is likely to face energy shortage from 6 to 11%. It does not take in to account the prediction that monsoon will be 88% of normal.
In case of delayed or weak monsoon, the power requirement will increase further, leading to a greater electricity crisis. Punjab's monthly power requirements in peak season have been assessed based on the past trend, and suggest that the state will face it maximum power shortage of 11% in August, when the supply will be 6,062 million units (MU) against a demand of 6,800 MU. In July, shortage will be a little more than 10%, as the demand will be 6,880 MU and the supply restricted to 6,187 MU.
In June, when 8 hours of everyday power supply to agriculture sector is to begin from June 15, the shortage will be 6%. It means power cuts for consumers in the paddy season, as the demand-and-supply gap will be more than 10%, stretching to 13% in July, when the demand will increase to 11,900 megawatt against the availability of 10,344 MW). In August, however, the shortage will decline to 7%.
The calculations take into account the power availability from various stations in operation, including the non-conventional energy sources. Fuel availability, and anticipated water availability at hydroelectricity stations have also been factored in. The commissioning of unit 2 of the Talwandi Sabo thermal-energy plant, though scheduled in June, is likely to delayed by a month. Overall, the power supply in 12 months will be 5% surplus, as power availability will be 53,884 MU against a requirement of 51,268 MU.
Power points
Month Demand Supply
June 6,110 5,748
July 6,880 6,187
August 6,800 6,062
Overall year 51,268 53,864
All figures in million units or MU
