Patiala, June 10 -- Punjab has witnessed a sharp surge in power demand, reaching an unprecedented 15,600 MegaWatt (MW) - the highest this year so far - as an intense heatwave coincides with the ongoing paddy transplantation season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extreme temperatures across the state, with Ludhiana recording a scorching 46.1degC on Monday. Several districts have consistently registered temperatures above 45degC, pushing the state-wide average to nearly 4degC above normal. The rising heatwave, marked by a 1.2degC rise within 24 hours, has driven up electricity consumption, as residents increase the use of air-conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances to beat the oppressive heat. An "orange" alert has been issued by the IMD, warning that severe heatwave conditions will persist for at least the next two days, particularly impacting southern regions such as Bathinda, where severe heat stress has already been reported. Adding to the strain on the power grid is the third phase of the government's initiative to provide farmers with eight hours of uninterrupted electricity to support paddy transplantation - a critical agricultural activity demanding high power usage for water pumps and machinery. The state's power demand has soared in just over a week. Early June saw daily peaks around 10,500 MW. By last Friday, demand climbed close to 12,000 MW, surged past 13,500 MW over the weekend, and finally peaked at 15,600 MW on Monday - a sharp rise of over 5,000 MW in less than 10 days. Despite the unprecedented demand, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials have assured that the supply remains stable. "We have sufficient coal reserves in state and private thermal plants to meet the current surge," a PSPCL spokesperson said. Key power plants report coal stockpiles sufficient for 22 to 33 days, including Lehra Mohabbat (22 days), Ropar (33 days), Goindwal (30 days), Rajpura (33 days), and Talwandi Sabo (24 days). However, hydropower generation faces challenges due to slightly reduced water levels in reservoirs compared to last year. Bhakra Dam's water level stands at 1,556.75 feet, which is 17 feet below the level recorded on the same day last year. Similarly, the Ranjit Sagar Dam level is marginally lower at 507.17 meters, compared to 507.9 meters last year.The IMD has forecast a minor easing in heatwave intensity after the coming two days but cautions that harsh and challenging weather conditions will continue. Officials from PSPCL are closely monitoring consumption and supply patterns to prevent any power outages, emphasizing the critical need for sustained vigilance during this period. The PSPCl has urged residents to conserve electricity wherever possible and remain cautious amid ongoing heatwave conditions, while farmers continue to rely heavily on uninterrupted power supply for critical irrigation needs during the paddy transplantation season....