Chandigarh, Sept. 4 -- In a first, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has deputed its chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) and four directors to oversee the functioning of the state's five thermal power plants amid mounting power disruptions and a generation shortfall of around 2,000 MW during peak-demand hours.

The move comes as Punjab grapples with an acute power crisis, with electricity demand soaring during the ongoing paddy season.

Punjab currently generates around 4,200 MW of electricity, including 3,400 MW from thermal power plants and 800 MW from hydropower and other renewable sources, against a total demand of nearly 15,000 MW. To meet the shortfall, the state draws around 10,800 MW from the central grid, including ...