Electricity demand in Punjab climbed sharply on Tuesday as scorching temperatures across the state crossed 45 C, putting additional pressure on the power grid.

According to power sector officials, peak electricity demand exceeded 15,400 megawatts during the afternoon, an increase of about 1,200 MW from the previous day’s demand of 14,200 MW.

Despite the rise, officials said demand from the agricultural sector remains relatively limited as paddy transplantation is still underway in many parts of the state.

The third phase of paddy planting began Tuesday, and electricity consumption is expected to increase further once transplantation is completed and farmers begin operating irrigation pumps on a larger scale.