Latest news with #PunjabStatePowerCorporationLimited
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
DC flags numerous civic lapses during inspection in Mohali
1 2 Mohali: Mohali deputy commissioner Komal Mittal on Friday conducted a comprehensive inspection of key road stretches in Mohali as part of the ongoing Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission and flagged several civic lapses issuing strict directions for immediate action on sanitation, streetlights, sewerage, grills, and side berm maintenance. The inspection, which spanned from the Bus Stand lights to Phase 11, focused on the stretch covering light points between Phases 6 and 11. Highlighting the urgency of the mission, Mittal instructed officials to resolve all identified issues in a time-bound manner. At Phase 6 light point, she observed unregulated gatherings of labourers stopping vehicles to seek work, leading to traffic disruptions. She directed that they be relocated to a designated spot to maintain smooth vehicular movement. Passing by the Phase 1 police station, the deputy commissioner expressed concern over side berms cluttered with impounded vehicles and ordered their immediate removal. She also took serious note of loose, hanging electric cables along the road and asked the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to secure them without delay. The Swaraj light point was found littered with garbage, prompting the DC to order a prompt cleanup. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nvidia's AI Strategy Is Clear - But Is Wall Street Paying Attention? Seeking Alpha Read More Undo In Phase 5 near the mango belt, she stressed the need for constructing a rainwater harvesting system to mitigate waterlogging and ensure uninterrupted traffic during the monsoon season. During her visit to Phases 3B2, 7, and 9, the DC flagged several civic lapses, including broken central verge grills, encroachments on side berms, neglected green belts, and gaps in plantation. She directed concerned departments to restore and maintain these areas promptly. She took serious note of the persistent waterlogging on the road stretch from Gurdwara Saacha Dhan Sahib (Phase 3B1) to Chawla Lights and instructed officials to expedite the laying of a storm sewer line to resolve the issue. In Phases 8 to 11, she emphasized the need for clearly visible road signage and fully functional streetlights, particularly between Gurdwara Amb Sahib and the PSEB office. She was also apprised of ongoing sewer line work in Phase 9. DC Mittal said the ongoing field inspections are aimed at ensuring pothole repairs, improved road markings, safe and clean footpaths, effective waste disposal, and overall civic upkeep under the Punjab Road Cleanliness Mission. She added that Thursday's inspection was carried out with engineering and sanitation teams of MC Mohali and GMADA, and that all departments have been directed to complete remedial works before the next review.
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
HC asks PSPCL to explain surcharge to Ludhiana resident on bills issued in 1999
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to give a Ludhiana resident a full explanation of how it calculated charges mentioned in two electricity bills sent to him in 1999. Justice Kuldeep Tiwari passed the order while disposing of a petition filed by Hakumat Rai, who had approached the court 26 years ago, questioning the two demand notices issued in April and May 1999. He had also asked PSPCL to share the method it used to calculate a 20 per cent surcharge and other charges after he merged two electricity connections in his premises. Rai had a Medium Supply (MS) electricity connection, and his son had another MS connection, both at the same address. In 1997, he applied to combine the two connections into one, under a scheme that allowed such mergers. A new account was issued under the Large Supply (LS) category, and Rai gave an affidavit agreeing to pay the conversion charges in six monthly instalments. However, he failed to make the payments. Later, in May 1999, he asked PSPCL to reduce the load again and was shifted back to the MS category. The bills he challenged included one that covered expenses for merging the connections and another for the surcharge added between 1997 and 1999. Rai's lawyers told the court that despite several requests, the PSPCL never explained how the figures in the bills were calculated. They also said he had already paid around Rs 1.5 lakh, which should be taken into account. The PSPCL's lawyer argued that the bills were issued according to the rules and covered all applicable charges. The court noted that the PSPCL had not yet shared any breakdown of the charges with Rai. It ordered the power corporation to provide full details within 30 days of the consumer paying the remaining amount, after deducting what he has already deposited. If Rai still has any concerns after receiving the details, he can take up the issue with the proper authority, the court said. It also clarified that any extra amount already paid by him must be adjusted in his future electricity bills. With this ruling, the long-pending case was closed.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Outsourced workers slam Centre, Punjab govt for privatisation; stage sit-in outside PSPCL Patiala
Outsourced workers staged a sit-in protest opposite the head office gate of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Patiala on Thursday. The protesters from Technical Services Union (Regd.) and the Coordination Committee of Powercom and Transco raised slogans and also held a march through the city streets. The protest was organised under the joint leadership of union leaders Krishan Singh Aulakh, Balihar Singh Kataria, Gurvinder Singh Pannu, Jagrup Singh and Balwinder Singh Saini. The union members were accompanied by their family members. Many farmer unions and labour unions too supported them. Notably, the power corporation has over 5,500 outsourced contractual staff who are on strike since July 1. Addressing the gathering, Kataria said 'under the imperialist-guided economic and industrial policies, the central and Punjab governments are implementing so-called economic reforms that in reality expand corporate loot through privatisation. All ruling parties are united in enforcing this anti-people privatisation agenda. In line with these imperialist policies, the Punjab government, by enforcing the Electricity Act 2003 and 2022, has accelerated the privatisation of the electricity corporation decades ago. They have withdrawn the Minimum Wages Act and imposed Deputy commissioner (DC) rates instead, and have replaced permanent recruitment with outsourced contractual hiring'. Sources revealed that to manage complaints, the PSPCL management, as part of their strategy, has recently issued orders at the division level to form special outsourced units to ensure uninterrupted supply of workforce during protests and strikes. The protesting workers rued that instead of making new permanent recruitments to address manpower shortages, more outsourced units are being made. 'This is not about providing uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers — it is a conspiracy to weaken the struggle against privatisation. It is a clear attempt to pit consumers and employees against each other to divide them,' Aulakh said. Kataria urged the electricity employees, farmers and labour unions to stand united at a time when their 'existence and livelihoods are at stake due to this disastrous privatisation drive'. Only through a common struggle can we save the electricity department and our jobs,' Kataria added. The union leaders also highlighted that the Punjab government has passed a resolution to implement changes in labour laws. Notably, any industry or factory employing fewer than 20 workers will now be exempt from the Factories Act. This decision empowers corporates to exploit workers more harshly, which the leaders strongly condemned. Agricultural labour leader Harbhagwan Moonak also condemned the attack on workers' rights, the protesters said. They further demanded that the work orders for outsourced contract workers — which expired on 30 June 2025 — should be renewed immediately, as workers are being harassed with uncertainty. Apart from the main unions, the protest was also addressed by Jaswinder Singh Longowal of the Bharti Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan, Harmesh Malri of the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, Hakim Singh Dhanetha of the Water Supply Sanitation Contract Workers Union, pensioners' leader Rajinder Kumar, Sher Singh Khanna of the Contract Morcha, and family members of workers Paramjit Kaur and Kamaljit Kaur. In their addresses, the union leaders called upon the protesters to fully prepare for the nationwide strike against privatisation on July 9.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Free power, but no power': SAD's Sharma slams Punjab govt over outages in Zirakpur
1 2 Mohali: Former MLA and Shiromani Akali Dal general secretary NK Sharma launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government over prolonged and unannounced power cuts in Zirakpur, claiming that the promise of free electricity has left Punjab powerless. He alleged that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has gone "power bankrupt," leaving residents to suffer through severe power cuts in the midst of a relentless heatwave. An unrelenting heatwave has thrown daily life off balance across Zirakpur, Baltana, and Dhakoli, with temperatures soaring past 45 degrees Celsius. Frequent power outages have compounded the distress of residents, who describe the conditions as unbearable. "It feels like fire is raining from the sky," said one resident, as hot winds sweep the region and the sun scorches the ground. Sharma warned that if the power supply is not restored to normal soon, he will lead a public protest at the electricity board office. Zirakpur, known as the Gateway of Punjab, is experiencing outages lasting several hours each day, disrupting daily life and leaving residents frustrated. "The Aam Aadmi Party came to power on the promise of free electricity, but now there is no electricity to be given. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo When there's no power, of course it's free," Sharma remarked. Representatives from across 31 wards of Zirakpur approached Sharma to express their anger and helplessness. Bawa Ram Janjua, president of the Green Home Society, said residents are facing 12-hour power cuts with no redressal in sight. Dinesh Bhardwaj from Dhakoli highlighted inefficiencies in the complaint system, noting that online complaints take up to three hours to process and there is no facility for filing offline grievances. Other residents, including Amandeep Saini from Amolak Enclave, reported that areas like Aero Homes and Nabha Sahib went without power for up to three days recently. The power crisis is also affecting water supply systems, worsening the situation. Sharma pointed out that while Zirakpur's population has surged from 2.5 lakh in 2017 to over 6.5 lakh today, no new power grids or transformers have been installed to meet the growing demand. He accused the government of ignoring ground realities and failing to upgrade infrastructure. "The people of Punjab are being fooled by slogans of free power. If things don't improve soon, we'll hit the streets and protest with the people," he said. Over the past four to five days, the extreme weather has confined people indoors, but their homes have turned into furnaces due to prolonged electricity cuts. Residents report outages lasting four to six hours, or longer, each day. In many areas, electricity returns briefly only to disappear again, leaving people to suffer without fans, coolers, or air conditioners. Children, the elderly, and patients are especially vulnerable. "Even inside the house, the heat is unbearable without power. We can't step outside, and inside it feels no different," said a resident from Dhakoli. Those who can afford it have turned to inverters or generators, but many say such options are not accessible to all. According to the electricity department, power demand has surged due to extensive use of cooling appliances, leading to scheduled cuts to prevent grid overload. However, residents argue that this has created an unbearable situation, especially during the peak summer holidays when children and the elderly are at home. Women say household chores have become increasingly difficult. "From cooking to cleaning, everything is disrupted. We wait for hours just to operate basic appliances," said a homemaker in Baltana. Farmers are also struggling. The heat has increased the demand for water, but dry tube wells and electricity cuts have raised concerns over crop survival. "There is no water for fields or cattle. Power supply is crucial at this time," said a farmer in the area. As the heatwave shows no signs of abating, residents are demanding that the power department take immediate action to restore uninterrupted supply and provide relief from the dual burden of extreme heat and power scarcity. Content state: Ready In use by: Reporter(s): Last modified: 12-06 19:22 - Srivats Uniyal Requested size: Actual size: 150 lin - 1355.06p Category: Contextual use: Normal Description: Default Text Template Correction: Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Despite holiday, power demand in Punjab scales record high of 16,836 MW
Despite it being a government holiday for Kabir Jayanti and coming just a day after Punjab recorded an all-time high in electricity consumption, the state's power demand scaled another record on Wednesday, reaching 16,836 MW. The surge was driven by sweltering heat and the increased load from ongoing paddy transplantation season. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) was drawing over 10,243 MW from the northern grid, while its own gross generation was 6,600 MW. All the thermal units are operating on Wednesday. Even hydel plants, including four at the Ranjit Sagar units, are running. Senior PSPCL officials said the lack of pre-monsoon rain showers is putting all the pressure on the groundwater. Lakhs of tubewells are continuously running for at least six-eight hours daily to extract groundwater as the paddy transplanting season is at its peak, they added. Punjab grows the water-guzzling crop over 3 million hectares every year. At the time of the record demand, PSPCL's own thermal power generation was 2,020 MW, and private thermal power generation was 3,192 MW. PSPCL's hydropower generation was 950 MW and solar generation was 395 MW. On Tuesday, the electricity demand soared to a record-breaking 16,249 MW, surpassing the previous year's peak of 16,089 MW, recorded on June 29. However, if the current weather pattern persists, the maximum power demand in the state could potentially exceed 17,000 MW in the coming days. PSPCL claims it is prepared to take additional measures, including buying more power and optimising local generation. The drawing limit from the northern grid is 10,400 MW and its maximum power availability may be around 6,600 MW under ideal conditions. On Tuesday, PSPCL supplied 3,383 lakh units with a maximum demand of 16,249 MW. On Monday PSPCL supplied 3,295 lakh units with a maximum demand of around 15,640 MW. With the return of the summer heatwave after an unusually cool summer in early June, the temperature is touching 44 degrees Celsius in most parts of Punjab, with the highest temperature recorded at Bathinda, at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The power demand has thus started rising sharply over the last three days. The coal stock at the thermal plants in the public and private sectors is sufficient. Lehra Mohabbat has 21 days' stocks, Ropar 34 days' stock, and Goindwal 28 days' stock. In the private sector, Rajpura has 31 days' stock and Talwandi Sabo 23 days' stock. The water level in the Bhakra dam is 1,555.4 ft, which is 28 ft lower than last year's level of 1,584.2 ft. At Ranjit Sagar, the water level is 506.9 m, compared to 507.20 m on the corresponding day last year. IMD warning for Punjab and Haryana The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding the continuation of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from June 11 to 14. Maximum temperatures in the southern and western parts of Haryana have ranged between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius, with Sirsa recording the highest temperature–46.2 degrees Celsius. Northern regions of Haryana, including Chandigarh, saw slightly lower but still intense temperatures ranging from 44 to 45 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, the situation is even more severe. Southern and western parts of the state have recorded scorching temperatures between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius, with Bhatinda registering the highest at a blistering 47.6 degrees Celsius. Northern and eastern regions of the state have experienced maximum temperatures between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius. The IMD forecasts that these extreme conditions are likely to persist over the next three days. Isolated pockets in the southwestern districts of both Punjab and Haryana are expected to experience severe heatwave conditions. Temperatures are likely to remain in the 46-48 degrees Celsius range in the southern and southwestern regions, while northern and eastern areas, including Chandigarh, may continue to see temperatures around 44-46 degrees Celsius. There is no significant change expected in maximum temperatures until June 14, after which a slight decline of 2-4 degrees Celsius may occur. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours.
