Power Crisis in Punjab as thermal plants experience shutdowns
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Power Crisis in Punjab as thermal plants experience shutdowns

On July 3, 2023, all three units of the Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL) thermal plant ceased operations, including the two that had already been closed for the past two days. Additionally, one unit of the GVK power plant was shut down due to a technical glitch. This disruption comes at a critical time during the peak paddy season, with daily power demand in the state of Punjab ranging between 14,000 MW and 15,000 MW.

Moreover, one unit of the GHTP Lehra Mohabbat power plant has been experiencing a shutdown since May of last year due to an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) breakdown. The power demand in Punjab on July 3 afternoon exceeded 14,500 MW. To meet the demand, the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) is drawing a maximum power supply of approximately 9,900 MW from the central grid. A day before on Sunday, the maximum power demand reached 14,182 MW, and the PSPCL purchased around 350 lakh units from the power exchange.

Sources reveal that this is not the first time all three thermal units of TSPL have become non-functional during periods of peak demand. However, due to loopholes in the power purchase agreement (PPA), no action can be taken against them. According to the PPA, the plant is expected to remain operational and available for 80 per cent of the year. Penalties have been imposed on the power plant in the past as per the terms of the PPA, and they have even received default notices. Fine amounts can be imposed on private plants based on various criteria, including their availability running below 65 per cent and 70 per cent throughout the year.

As of Sunday, the coal stock at the state-run power GGSSTP Ropar was sufficient for 42 days, while at GHTP Lehra Mohabbat, it was enough for 24 days. Over the past three days, the Ropar plant recorded a cumulative plant load factor of 75.47 per cent, while the Lehra plant achieved a cumulative PLF of 64.60 per cent.

On July 3, 2023, all three units of the Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL) thermal plant ceased operations, including the two that had already been closed for the past two days. Additionally, one unit of the GVK power plant was shut down due to a technical glitch. This disruption comes at a critical time during the peak paddy season, with daily power demand in the state of Punjab ranging between 14,000 MW and 15,000 MW.Moreover, one unit of the GHTP Lehra Mohabbat power plant has been experiencing a shutdown since May of last year due to an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) breakdown. The power demand in Punjab on July 3 afternoon exceeded 14,500 MW. To meet the demand, the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) is drawing a maximum power supply of approximately 9,900 MW from the central grid. A day before on Sunday, the maximum power demand reached 14,182 MW, and the PSPCL purchased around 350 lakh units from the power exchange.Sources reveal that this is not the first time all three thermal units of TSPL have become non-functional during periods of peak demand. However, due to loopholes in the power purchase agreement (PPA), no action can be taken against them. According to the PPA, the plant is expected to remain operational and available for 80 per cent of the year. Penalties have been imposed on the power plant in the past as per the terms of the PPA, and they have even received default notices. Fine amounts can be imposed on private plants based on various criteria, including their availability running below 65 per cent and 70 per cent throughout the year.As of Sunday, the coal stock at the state-run power GGSSTP Ropar was sufficient for 42 days, while at GHTP Lehra Mohabbat, it was enough for 24 days. Over the past three days, the Ropar plant recorded a cumulative plant load factor of 75.47 per cent, while the Lehra plant achieved a cumulative PLF of 64.60 per cent.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

3i Infotech Reports Rs 7.25 Bn Revenue for FY25

3i Infotech, a leading provider of digital transformation, technology services and technology solutions, announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year FY25, ended on March 31st, 2025. The company maintained its growth momentum, displaying consistent progress for the 3rd consecutive quarter.In Q4 FY25, 3i Infotech reported revenue of Rs 1.87 billion, reflecting steady performance compared to Rs 1.81 billion in Q3 FY25 and Rs 1.97 billion in Q4 FY24. The company delivered strong profitability improvements, with gross margin growing by 14.8 per cent Q-o-Q and 1..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Emerald Finance Joins Baya PTE to Boost SME Bill Discounting

Emerald Finance is a dynamic company offering a spectrum of financial products and services including its flagship Earned Wage Access (EWA) in India, has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Baya PTE through its Indian subsidiary. This collaboration aims to strengthen bill discounting services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling faster access to working capital and improved cash flow management.The initiative is designed to support SMEs that supply to large corporates such as JSW Steel, Delhivery, and PVR INOX, among others. By facilitating timely invoice dis..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

BLS E-Services Crosses Rs 5 Bn Revenue Mark in FY25

BLS E-Services, a technology-enabled digital service provider, announced its audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and full year period ended 31 March 2025.Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E- Services said, “We are delighted to report a remarkable performance in FY25, as we achieved several milestones during the fiscal year. FY25 marked our highest-ever financial performance, as we surpassed Rs 5 billion milestone in Total Income during the year, which was reported at Rs 5.45 billion, a notable YoY growth of 76 per cent. The ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?