Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Apr 28: Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Monday assured that there will be no power shortage in the state from May 1, stating that the government has made comprehensive preparations to tackle the sharp surge in electricity demand caused by the ongoing heatwave.
He noted that power demand in the state rose significantly from 7,900 MW on April 15 to 12,000 MW by April 25 within just 10 days. Arora said that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is fully equipped to handle the unexpected increase in demand and ensure uninterrupted power supply across Punjab.
“In recent days, power shortages were witnessed due to the intense heatwave, not only in Punjab but across northern states. However, the situation is now under control, and from May 1, there will be no shortage,” he stated.
Highlighting infrastructure improvements, Arora said that under the government’s ‘Mission Roshan Punjab’, an investment of Rs 6,000 crore is being made to modernise and strengthen the state’s power infrastructure. He added that Punjab has managed to maintain grid stability even as several regions in the country face power deficits, making it better prepared to handle peak summer demand.
At the national level, he pointed out that India recorded an all-time peak power demand of 252 GW on April 24, while supply stood at around 239 GW, resulting in a deficit of 13 GW.
The minister further said that negotiations are in advanced stages to secure an additional 1,500 to 2,000 MW of power through banking arrangements with other states. He also mentioned that hydel plants damaged during the 2025 floods are being restored, with an additional capacity of 300 MW expected soon.
Punjab is also procuring nearly 1,500 MW of extra power from other states and private sources. Additionally, preparations are underway to draw 2,000 MW from the central power pool, for which short-term tenders have already been floated.
To boost availability, the state government has waived wheeling charges and cross-subsidy from 6 pm to 6 am for two months.
Responding to queries about recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids, Arora said he would fully cooperate with the investigation and expressed confidence that the truth would prevail. The ED had conducted searches on April 17 at premises linked to him and others in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Gurugram and Chandigarh in connection with a foreign exchange violation probe related to alleged insider trading and betting fund round-tripping from the UAE.
Dismissing speculation about joining the BJP, Arora reiterated his commitment to the Aam Aadmi Party. “I am a cabinet minister representing AAP and will continue to do so,” he said, adding that he has not been in contact with Raghav Chadha for the past 6 to 8 months.
His remarks come amid recent political developments in which several Rajya Sabha members from AAP reportedly quit the party and joined the BJP, alleging deviation from its core principles.