Power infrastructure renovation brought about by acceleration ahead of peak demand season: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Chandigarh, May 27:
In a significant move towards ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power supply across Punjab, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has set an ambitious target of achieving zero power outages by March 2026. This decision was taken during the high-level meeting held in Chandigarh to review the preparedness of the power sector ahead of the upcoming summer and paddy seasons.
Recognizing the steadily rising power demand, the Cabinet Minister reviewed comprehensive plans for augmenting power supply from multiple sources, including thermal, hydro and renewable energy, for the period 2025–2030. He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to strengthening its electricity infrastructure to meet consumer expectations and future demands.
S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction over the ongoing enhancement of the state’s Aggregate Transmission Capacity (ATC), which is set to increase from the existing 10,102 MVA to 10,400 MVA by May 2025. Besides, PSPCL has been tasked with achieving a further augmentation of 5000 MVA by June 2027.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed officials to ensure 100% fault-free power supply across the state, which will be achieved through a mix of extensive capital works and improved maintenance protocols. The core projects include bifurcation, reconductoring and augmentation of HT/LT & EHT lines; addition and upgradation of distribution transformers and enhancement of power transformers at 66 kV substations.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), infrastructure upgrades worth Rs.3600 crore have been approved. Of this, Rs.1700 crore worth of works have already been awarded, with the remaining tenders expected to be finalized by mid-July. Beyond RDSS, additional projects worth Rs.1200 crore will be tendered by the end of July 2025, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that these projects are scheduled to commence by mid-September, with a target to complete 80% within the current financial year.
“PSPCL is working tirelessly to modernize Punjab’s power infrastructure. Our government’s vision is to deliver seamless, efficient and equitable power to every citizen. These reforms will play a critical role in powering Punjab’s growth story,” said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.
The Cabinet Minister, while reaffirming PSPCL’s commitment to delivering on these targets, assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure smooth power availability during the high-demand months ahead.
