Power pang in Punjab, four power plant units shut down
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ July 10,2024
After a few days lull in power demand, it again surges in Punjab. With the increase in demand, one unit of Punjab’s largest thermal plant Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) is shut down along with three state owned power plants. Two units of GGSSTP Ropar and one unit of GHTP Lehra Mohabbat are not working.
This is the fifth time that a unit of TSPL is out of order in last around 40 days. Earlier, around on June 1, June 19, June 23 and July 2,2024 one out of three units of 660 MW each remained out of order.
The power demand in the state has already crossed 15000 MW figure after a few days of rain that lashes the state early this month. On July 9,2024 the highest power demand touched 15343 MW. Whereas on July 10,2024 the power demand has already touched 15138 in the morning itself. Punjab is generating around 5300 MW from all sources.
At present one unit of 660 MW of Talwand Sabo Power plant (TSPL), two units of govt owned 210 MW each of GGSSTP, Ropar and one unit of 250 MW of GHTP, Lehra Mohabbat is not working. Now, two units’ of Punjab’s largest power plant Talwand Sabo Power plant (TSPL) at Mansa are working.
When contacted the chief engineer GGSSTP, he said “ we have to shut down both the units due to leakage in the boiler. One unit will be ready by today evening whereas the other unit will start functioning by tomorrow.”
Whereas the chief engineer GHTP Lehra Mohabbat can’t be contacted despite an attempt. TSPL spokesperson said ” i’ll give you the update in few minutes.”
An expert said, “Despite ongoing paddy season, several factors contribute to this soaring demand. The use of air conditioners and cooling appliances has surged due to extreme heat and humidity, particularly with the arrival of monsoon rains.”
