Sunil Lohan
The state has experienced a significant surge in electricity demand,reaching record levels as the peak demand exceeded 18,000 megawatts in the past two months.
This upward trend is expected to continue, with the demand anticipated to rise to 18,500 megawatts in April 2025.
During a joint press conference today,Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary,Gaurav Gupta and KPTCL Managing Director,Pankaj Kumar Pandey stated,”In February,the electricity demand reached 18,350 MW during the peak demand period,and it rose to 18,395 MW in March.On March 7,the maximum electricity demand hit 18,395 MW.”
“Since COVID,there has been a significant rise in electricity demand.The maximum demand was 14,367 MW in 2020-21,14,818 MW in 2021-22,15,828 MW in 2022-23, and 17,220 MW in 2023-24.
This time,it has reached 18,385 MW.Additionally, the current maximum electricity consumption stands at 357 million units,”they said.
“During the peak demand period in April 2024,the electricity demand reached 16,985 MW, and it is projected to rise to 18,294 MW this year,reflecting an 8.1% increase.
Similarly,in May 2024,the demand was 16,826 MW and is expected to grow to 17,122 MW, marking a 1.8% increase.
Additionally, electricity consumption is anticipated to reach 352 million units in April and 331 million units in May,” they explained.
*Adequate Measures Taken to Meet Power Demand*
“We have taken steps to address the rising electricity demand in the state, in collaboration with other states.
From December 2024 to May,we will be sourcing electricity from Uttar Pradesh through an exchange agreement, ranging from 100 to 1,400 MW during the peak demand period.
Similarly,an agreement has been established to receive electricity from Punjab,ranging from 200 to 531 MW, on an exchange basis from January to April,” they added.
“Additionally,from March 1 to 15, an extra 310 MW of electricity was sourced from NTPC. From March 15 onwards, an additional 100 MW (totalling 410 MW) has been acquired.
Furthermore,under the Fuel Security Policy,PSCKL has agreed to receive 1,000 MW of electricity per month from other states from March through the end of May,” they noted.
“We have taken steps to ensure a sustainable energy future. Farmers now receive 7 hours of three-phase electricity daily, with several areas benefiting from solar power for agriculture pump sets.
To ensure an uninterrupted supply of 7 hours of three-phase electricity, some regions distribute power during the morning and evening hours.
To prevent inconvenience to students (including those in farmhouses), single-phase electricity is being provided from 6 PM to 6 AM,” they added.
