High-velocity winds and thunderstorms over the past 36 hours have caused extensive damage to electricity infrastructure across Punjab, resulting in estimated losses of Rs 19.54 crore for the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The severe weather event led to disruptions in power supply in several areas, with infrastructure including poles and transformers bearing the brunt of the storm.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the storm uprooted numerous electricity poles, damaged transformers, and brought down high-tension and low-tension cables. Initial assessments suggest that the damage to PSPCL infrastructure is among the highest recorded in recent years. The Border and Central Zones of the state reported the most significant damage.
Officials from PSPCL stated that the strong winds led to the uprooting of transformers, electricity poles, and trees, which directly caused power outages in many parts of the state. The utility received a flood of complaints from consumers, with some areas experiencing power cuts for over 10 hours. A senior PSPCL officer noted that the storm affected 220-kV supply lines and transformers. Field staff have been working continuously to restore power, and supply has been re-established in almost all affected regions, with remaining areas expected to have power restored promptly.
The scale of the damage is substantial, with over 8,492 poles, 1,466 transformers, approximately four kilometers of high-tension cable wires, and more than 220 kilometers of low-tension wires reported as damaged. Other essential equipment and infrastructure also sustained damage.
In light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, power sector experts have called for a comprehensive study aimed at strengthening the existing infrastructure. The goal is to mitigate the financial losses incurred due to changing weather patterns and the broader implications of climate change. Experts observed that such severe storms, which historically occurred once or twice in over two years, have become more frequent, causing damage two to three times annually in the past three years.
The storm also had an immediate impact on electricity demand within Punjab. On Thursday evening, the state’s power load saw a sharp decline, dropping from 14,000 Megawatts (MW) to approximately 3,170 MW within a short period. This rapid decrease resulted in an under-drawal of 3,700 MW from the national grid.
To maintain grid stability amidst the sudden dip in demand, PSPCL was compelled to reduce generation from its thermal power units. Since the storm, electricity demand has stabilized around 10,000 MW.
The recent rainfall, however, has provided some relief to PSPCL operations as the paddy sowing season progresses. While an increase in power demand is anticipated due to the guaranteed eight-hour power supply for agriculture, engineers noted that the current rainfall is likely to reduce the immediate need for agricultural tube wells for a few days, thus easing the strain on the power infrastructure.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
