Poor rains result in highest peak power demand of 14,800 Mw in Gujarat

Of this, the farm sector alone is demanding 6,000 Mw; its share has gone up to 45% from 30% normally

After a good beginning of monsoon with initial heavy rains, a prolonged gap in the second half of June and first half of July has pushed peak power demand in Gujarat to a new high of over 14,800 mega watts (Mw).

What's more, of this, about 6,000 Mw is being demanded by the agricultural sector alone. While the share of agriculture in the state's power is 30 per cent normally, it has shot up to over 40-45 per cent due to poor rains.

 

The Gujarat government has increased two hours of supply a day to 10 hours for farmers so that they can save their crops. According to State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), the state met a demand of nearly 14,800 Mw on June 14 at 3 pm. which is the highest ever. The previous highest power demand of 14,004 Mw was recorded on October 11, 2014.

"Monsoon in the state was good in the beginning, but thereafter there have been virtually no rains. For the benefit of farmers, we have decided to increase supply to the agriculture sector," said Govind Patel, minister of state, energy and petrochemicals, Gujarat.

Demand from agriculture increased by 3,774 Mw on July 13. Farm sector demand has risen by 30-35 per cent after government increased additional hours in supply.

Apparently, the power demand dropped to nearly 9,000 Mw on June 25, when Gujarat had heavy rain just for one day. Since then, power demand has been increasing day by day.

"It is likely that demand may increase beyond 15,000 Mw if there is a further delay in rains beyond the end of this week," said K K Bajaj, chief general manager of Consumer Education Research Society (CERS).

Apart from agriculture, demand from households and commercial areas also rose due to hot weather resulting in increased use of air-conditioners, fans and refrigerators across the state, especially in urban areas.

According to a senior official of SLDC, "Overall demand has gone up recently due to delay in rain but the state is capable of catering to even it rises from the current level. Once the rains arrive, demand will automatically decrease."

Meanwhile, an official of load management unit of Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) stated that generally during monsoon, most of the time demand from agriculture sector is negligible as rains irrigate the crops. When rain scarcity arises then demand goes up.