The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is currently facing a severe manpower crisis, with only 1,568 employees available for key operational roles out of 3,419 sanctioned posts. This shortage is particularly acute among linemen, where only 674 of the 1,224 sanctioned positions are filled, and assistant linemen, with 849 out of 2,195 posts occupied. The situation has worsened due to a strike by over 1,000 outsourced workers and the diversion of staff for census duties, which has strained power complaint handling and maintenance operations. Chief Engineer Jagdev Singh Hans noted that available staff are working round the clock to manage operations, with some grids being operated by as few as two employees. The corporation has also seen a significant number of staff transfers, with 37 occurring in April alone, while no new hires have been made to fill vacant positions. Officials warn that further diversion of operational staff for non-technical duties could exacerbate the crisis, particularly as demand for power increases during the summer months.