As temperatures soar and power demand surges in Punjab, technical issues have led to the shutdown of three units at power plants in the state. Currently, only 12 units of thermal plants in Punjab remain operational, highlighting the challenges faced by the power sector.
One unit of Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), an independent power producer (IPP), along with one unit each at government-run power plants in Ropar and Goindwal Sahib, has been halted due to technical glitches. The disruption in operations has been attributed to issues such as boiler leakage. The unit at Ropar experienced a boiler leakage on Saturday, with efforts underway to restore operations within the next day or two. Similarly, a unit at the state-run power plant in Goindwal Sahib was shut down on Sunday due to a similar issue. Despite thunderstorms in some parts of the state on Saturday, which temporarily reduced the maximum power demand, challenges persist in ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Experts in the power sector anticipate a surge in demand with the onset of the paddy season in about a fortnight. The maximum demand is projected to exceed 16,000 MW by the end of June, underscoring the need for swift resolution of technical issues to meet escalating demand.
Meanwhile, the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) Engineers Association has raised concerns about staff shortages and operational challenges. They have urged action against authorities for assigning technical staff to election duties or general administration tasks, despite the acknowledgment of the power sector as an essential service by the Election Commission and the Punjab government. The association highlighted that both the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited are operating with only 40% of the sanctioned workforce, exacerbating operational difficulties. Addressing these staffing issues is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of power plants and maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply in Punjab.
