Ludhiana Faces Power Shortage as Demand Surges by 2,000 MW
Power demand outpaces supply in Ludhiana by up to 2,000 MW; rural, suburban areas face frequent outages
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ludhiana, Punjab, is experiencing a significant power supply shortfall of up to 2,000 MW due to rising demand, particularly during peak summer hours. Rural and suburban areas are facing frequent outages, while urban regions maintain a more stable supply. The situation is exacerbated by agricultural demands and limited generation capacity.
- 01Power demand in Ludhiana peaks at nearly 10,000 MW, creating a shortfall of 2,000 MW.
- 02Rural and suburban areas are experiencing more frequent and prolonged power outages.
- 03Hydro generation from Ranjit Sagar Dam contributes about 600 MW during peak hours.
- 04Thermal plants are operating at full capacity, but this is insufficient to meet sudden spikes in demand.
- 05Demand-side management and maintenance are crucial to prevent large-scale disruptions as temperatures rise.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Ludhiana, Punjab, is grappling with a power supply deficit of up to 2,000 MW, as average daily consumption reaches around 6,700 MW, surging to nearly 9,200 MW during peak hours. The situation is particularly critical in the early morning when agricultural power demands push consumption beyond 10,000 MW. This mismatch between demand and supply has led to frequent outages, especially in rural and suburban areas, while urban regions maintain a more stable supply due to prioritized feeders. To address the shortfall, the local power department is relying on hydro generation from Ranjit Sagar Dam, which contributes approximately 600 MW during peak times, alongside power procured from the central pool. However, these measures are limited during sharp demand spikes. Chief engineer Jagdev Singh Hans acknowledged that some outages are inevitable this summer but emphasized efforts to minimize disruptions. With rising temperatures, the pressure on the power grid is expected to increase, highlighting the need for effective demand-side management and timely maintenance to avoid larger disruptions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The power shortages are affecting residents, particularly in rural and suburban areas, leading to frequent outages that disrupt daily activities and agricultural operations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How should the government address the power supply issues in Ludhiana?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


