Punjab is witnessing an unusual rise in temperatures in March, leading to a sharp increase in electricity demand across the state. On Tuesday, the total power demand reached 9,422 megawatts (MW). To meet the requirement, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (Powercom) had to procure 6,351 MW of electricity from external sources.

Among the state’s own power generation units, the Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant at Lehra Mohabbat is supplying 420 MW from three of its four units, while one unit remains shut for maintenance.

At the Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant in Rupnagar, electricity generation is currently 508 MW from four units. Meanwhile, at the Guru Angad Dev Thermal Power Plant in Goindwal Sahib, one unit is producing 142 MW, while the second unit remains closed.

Energy experts have warned that due to the early onset of summer, electricity demand in Punjab could cross 17,000 MW in the coming months, which would pose a major challenge for the state government and Powercom. So far, the government has not presented a clear power management plan to handle such a high demand.

Earlier, the Punjab government had announced relief for consumers by reducing electricity tariffs from April 1, 2026. Domestic consumers will get electricity cheaper by up to ₹1.50 per unit. Despite the increasing demand due to rising temperatures, the government has set a target of “Zero Power Cut” in the state until March 2026.

According to the weather forecast, cloudy conditions are expected across Punjab tonight with a temperature of around 24°C. There is a 10% chance of rain, and easterly winds are blowing at 4 mph. The maximum temperature today is expected to reach 33°C, while the minimum may drop to 18°C.