Punjab power crisis cuts output by 25%

Punjab is reeling under a severe power crisis. Many industrial units of the state have been forced to shut shop because power supply has been intermittent.

"Production will be down by at least 25 per cent," said R S Sachdeva, co-chairman, PHDCCI (Punjab chapter). Captive power could not be relied on for long, he added.

In this connection, industrialists of Punjab had urged the state government to take steps for private sector participation in power generation, Sachdeva said.

The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) has projected a deficit of 182 lakh watts as demand continues to outstrip supply. The state is dependent on Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal to meet the gap. But increasing demand in these states has curbed supply, and this year's weak monsoon has contributed to the shortfall.

The supply from the atomic power plant in Kota has also been reduced.

PSEB Chairman R S Yatra told Business Standard the board was keen on private participation in power generation. Discussions had taken place with the Tatas, and the board was evaluating the rates, quantities, and costs proposed by them, he added.

Reliance Energy representatives would be consulted next week, he said.