Chandigarh, June 11 -- Notwithstanding a government holiday on Wednesday on account of Kabir Jayanti, power demand in Punjab scaled to a record high of 16836 Mega Watt due to sweltering heat coupled with paddy load.

The Punjab State Power Corposation Limited (PSPCL) was drawing over 10,243 MW from the northern grid while its own gross generation was 6600 MW. All the thermal units are operating today. Even hydel plants are running, including four Ranjit Sagar units.

At the time of record demand, PSPCL's own thermal generation was 2020 MW, and private thermal generation was 3192 MW. PSPCL's hydro generation was 950 MW and solar generation was 395 MW.

On Tuesday, Punjab's electricity demand soared to a record-breaking 16,249 MW, surpassing ...