Severe heat has started in the state. For the last one week, the temperature from the mountain to the ground is continuously rising. In such a situation, the demand for electricity is also increasing rapidly. The demand for electricity has increased by five million units within a week. Whereas, due to the availability not being relative to the demand, cuts have also started.
Efforts are being made by Energy Corporation to supply electricity by purchasing it from the market, but the challenge is likely to increase further in the coming days. For the first time this year, the daily power demand in Uttarakhand has crossed 43 million units. The reason for which is rising mercury. Electricity consumption has increased due to the increase in the use of fans, coolers and ACs due to the scorching heat.
At the same time, due to insufficient production from hydropower projects, the dependence on other sources is more. Despite getting additional power from the Centre, the availability is not relative to the demand. In such a situation, cuts are being made in rural and small towns. Where the power demand was around 38 million units a week ago, it has now crossed 43 million units.
It is expected to cross 45 million units in the coming days. Whereas, the demand of electricity in the state is expected to cross 50 million units in May from the Energy Corporation. Due to which a situation of power crisis can arise.
In April, 332.5 MW (about eight MU) additional power is being provided to Urja Nigam from the Central Government. For the month of May also, the Center had given permission to provide the same amount of power, but considering the demand, this power seems to be insufficient. Due to which the Energy Corporation is turning towards reduction.
Cutbacks hit rural areas Rural and smaller towns are being cut due to increased demand and less availability. In Haridwar-Roorkee, small towns like Mangalore, Laksar, Jwalapur, Bhagwanpur etc. and nearby rural areas are facing power cuts of one to one and a half hours. In Kotdwar and Udham Singh Nagar, there is a reduction of one to one and a half hours, four to five hours in steel furnaces of the state.
