Heat draws power demand to all-time high

While the demand headed north,Delhi’s power generating units on Monday provided a dismal 1,129 MW. The distribution companies (discoms) were left with little option but to procure energy from other sources. The discoms,however,claimed that other than powercuts in a few areas,they were able to meet the demand successfully.

In June last year,the highest demand was recorded at 4,337 MW,since then there has been nearly 8 per cent increase in demand.

In 2008,the highest demand was 3,822 MW,and in 2007 it was 4,030 MW.

The figures of a few decades ago are more telling. In 1951,the highest demand in Delhi was a mere 27 MW,an astronomical figure for those days. By 1981,demand had risen to 581 MW,and by 2001,it had touched four figures at 2,831 MW.

While demand has been constantly rising in the Capital,generation has remained stagnant over the last two decades — a situation likely to be mended when the 1,500 MW Jhajjar power plant begins operations by the Commonwealth Games.

Compared to the average national per capita electricity consumption at 606 units per annum,Delhi’s average consumption stands nearly double at 1,615 units.

Battling to meet the demand,discom BSES also issued a plea to consumers on Monday to enhance their sanctioned load in order to avoid tripping the power supply in the distribution network.

“Though BRPL and BYPL have made adequate arrangements for power,they appeal to their over 25 lakh customers to use electricity judiciously. This will not only help conserve electricity,but also save money for the consumers in the process,” a statement issued by the discom read.