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High court asks chief secy, PSPCL MD about power backup at Rajindra Hospital

The directions came from the bench of chief justice Sheel Nagu and justice Sumeet Goel after it was informed that yet another incident of power outage was reported at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala,– for 30 minutes in the maternity ward and operation theatre on April 15. Earlier on January 24 this year, an incident of power tripping was reported at the hospital during a cancer patient’s surgery

In February, the petition was disposed of as the Punjab chief secretary had told the high court that the health department has been told to ensure that auto-switch facilities for DG sets/power backup are installed in all government hospitals across Punjab, to address any power failure issues. (Shutterstock)

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Published on May 02, 2025 08:25 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Termination of power purchase pact: PSERC’s order on relief to private firm set aside

Pointing out that the PSERC had issued its interim order without giving the appellant (PSPCL) an opportunity to be heard, the tribunal stated such a move was unjustified.

The PSERC had on March 15, 2024 granted relief to NV Distillers and Breweries Pvt Limited.

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Published on Apr 28, 2025 08:30 AM IST

ByVishal Rambani, Chandigarh

Dam water levels low, Punjab stares at ‘power’ crisis ahead of paddy season

According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, on April 24, the combined storage in the key reservoirs of HP is currently 40.67 % below normal, while those Punjab the dip is 44.85%

The water level in Bhakra reservoir, also known as Gobind Sagar, is at 474.78m, down by four metres from last year’s level of 478.78m on the corresponding day. (HT File)

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Published on Apr 28, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByKaram Prakash, Patiala

PSPCL technical staff back on ground duties amid peak demand

Facing an acute staff shortage and surging electricity demand due to rising temperatures, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has issued an urgent directive to redeploy technical employees currently assigned to administrative roles back to field duties

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Published on Apr 18, 2025 07:40 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti

Ludhiana: Technical staff shortage impedes power supply

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Ludhiana is facing one of the highest vacancy rates in the state, with 75.9% of linemen and assistant linemen positions unfilled; of the 4,963 sanctioned posts for these technical roles, 3,767 remain vacant

According to official data, PSPCL across Punjab faces a staggering shortage of 24,197 vacancies out of a total of 34,624 positions for technical staff, further complicating the corporation’s ability to maintain a reliable power supply. (HT Photo for representation)

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Published on Apr 14, 2025 06:12 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Overburdened, say PSPCL workers amid staff crunch

Workers say the crisis stems from cadre restructuring orders in 2019 and 2022, which slashed manpower across substations in Ludhiana; as a result, some substations are being handled by a single worker

The Grid Maintenance Sangharsh Committee says skilled workers are being used for clerical works. (HT Photo)

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Published on Apr 12, 2025 05:20 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Transformer stolen twice in a month, farmers in distress

The transformer was stolen for the second time on March 28, causing an estimated loss of ₹3.5 lakh and leaving farmers struggling without power for irrigation; junior engineer Lakhwinderjot Singh said that a new transformer has been allocated but farmers fear another theft

Farmers in Rampur expressed frustration as the stolen transformer supplied electricity to tubewells, crucial for crop irrigation ahead of the harvest season. (HT Photo)

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Published on Apr 03, 2025 06:32 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Doraha

Ludhiana: Two transformers fall on Kochar Road after crane sling snaps

The transformers, valued at ₹3 lakh each, were being installed to replace older units when the accident took place; sudden snapping of the crane’s sling led to the heavy equipments crashing onto the road, spilling transformer oil in the area; no injuries were reported say PSPCL officials

One of the transformers that fell on the road after the sling of a crane snapped while transporting them in Ludhiana on Monday. (Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times)

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Updated on Mar 31, 2025 11:06 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Drastic steps needed to curb power theft in Punjab, says PSERC

Punjab's power losses increased, with feeders over 50% rising to 543. PSERC urges PSPCL to act on high-loss areas and curb electricity theft.

PSPCL employees disconnecting a power connection. (HT File)

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Published on Mar 31, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByVishal Rambani, Chandigarh

Ludhiana: Two years on, not many takers for PSPCL’s power quality meter scheme

The rental scheme, which was introduced in February 2024, offered industries the option to lease the meters for a monthly fee of approximately ₹5,210, instead of purchasing them outright; industrialists have voiced concerns about the long-term cost implications

Only 27% of designated industries in Ludhiana have applied for the installation of PSPCL’s power quality meters. (HT File)

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Published on Mar 26, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: PSPCL recovers ₹80cr dues from govt depts

The officials said ₹80.81 put of ₹281.5 crore due with multiple departments were recovered during the drive started to meet revenue targets and reduce financial strain in view of the impending end of the current financial year

35 government departments in Ludhiana still need to clear a combined outstanding of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>200.7 crore in electricity bills. (HT File photo)

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Published on Mar 03, 2025 05:52 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: PSPCL official caught ‘taking ₹5,000 as bribe’

A VB spokesperson said the case was registered on the complaint filed of a resident of New Amar Nagar, Daba, Ludhiana

A vigilance team from Ludhiana range laid a trap during which the accused was caught red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5,000 in the presence of two official witnesses at the PSPCL office in Janta Nagar, Ludhiana. (HT Photo)

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Published on Feb 22, 2025 05:18 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Auto-start genset must at hospital, says PSPCL

Though the hospital is connected to the no-power cut line, the sudden increase in the demand during the evening hours reduced the frequency and the system automatically shut down, said PSPCL chief engineer Jagdev Singh Hans

The outage was due to a low frequency relay in the 66 kv line that supplies power to the hospital, according to PSPCL chief engineer Jagdev Singh Hans. (HT Photo)

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Published on Feb 11, 2025 06:16 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Crackdown on bill defaulters: PSPCL disconnects over 500 connections

The drive also led to the recovery of ₹97.67 lakh from consumers who cleared their dues; disconnected connections included residential, commercial, and industrial consumers

PSPCL officials said over 1,000 connections were checked, of which half were disconnected, while the rest paid their outstanding bills. (HT file photo for representation)

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Published on Feb 09, 2025 09:58 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Mohali

VB nabs PSPCL deputy chief engineer, lineman taking ₹50k bribe

The spokesperson said the complainant approached the VB and alleged that the accused deputy chief engineer had called him to his office and demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 and asked him to hand over this amount to the lineman Kewal Sharma.

Accused have been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Lakhvir Singh, senior executive engineer, posted at PSPCL division office in Mukerian, who is resident of Jagat Avenue, village Hardothla in Hoshiarpur. (HT File)

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Published on Feb 02, 2025 05:38 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

35 assistant engineers join Punjab power utilities

Among the newly appointed engineers, 22 specialise in electronics and communication, and 13 in electrical engineering

Punjab power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO (HT File)

cities

Published on Jan 29, 2025 06:00 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Ludhiana: PSPCL officials seek FIR against outsourced staff over ‘assault’

Since the police are busy with security arrangements for Republic Day celebrations, the association has submitted its complaint online for now and they will approach the police station concerned on Monday

Amandeep Singh, vice president of the association, demanded that the police administration register an FIR and take immediate stringent action against the protesters. (HT File)

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Updated on Jan 26, 2025 05:18 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

PSPCL junior engineer, lineman caught for graft

A VB spokesperson said complainant Sumeet Wadhwa, a resident of Sudarshan Park, Maksudan, Jalandhar, had approached the VB stating that two PSPCL officials were demanding ₹10,000 bribe for installing a new electricity meter at his residence.

The accused have been identified as JE Manjit Singh and lineman Harjeet Singh. (Getty Images)

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Updated on Jan 18, 2025 07:10 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Jalandhar

Ludhiana: Power supply disrupted amid dip in temperature

A sudden dip in temperature led to tripping of electricity feeders, plunging 20% of the city into blackout on Monday. PSPCL’s central zone recorded 22,904 complaints, a staggering 85% increase from the 3,500 complaints filed just a day earlier.

The PSPCL suffers revenue losses due to power supply interruptions.

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Published on Dec 24, 2024 10:25 PM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Power supply of 100 ‘polluting’ units in snapped: PSPCL

A senior PSPCL official noted that the action was taken mostly against industrialists who failed to comply with environmental regulations, particularly those dumping untreated wastewater and harmful chemicals into the already polluted Buddha Nullah

The PPCB compiled a list of the offending units and sent it to the PSPCL for action. (HT FIle)

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Updated on Dec 11, 2024 09:50 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Non-installation of quality meters: Industrialists’ body seeks penalty relief from PSPCL

FICO delegation, led by vice chairman Vipan Mittal and president Gurmeet Singh Kular, submitted a memorandum highlighting the challenges faced by industrialists

This penalty, FICO delegation argued, is an undue burden on industries, especially those who have already consented to rent quality meters but have not received installations due to delays on PSPCL’s end. (HT file photo)

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Published on Dec 03, 2024 10:12 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: At 16k, PSPCL records surge in power thefts

Most of the offences have been recorded in Khanna, Ludhiana, where 4,783 theft cases have been reported, followed by the city west circle (4,175 cases)

The PSPCL has inspected more than 1.01 lakh power connections across the central zone this year. (HT File)

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Published on Nov 17, 2024 10:28 PM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Sans safety gear, PSPCL contract staff putting lives on the line daily

Around 5,500 linemen and assistant linesmen are employed as complaint-handling bikes (CHB) and complaint-handling wagons (CHW) by the PSPCL. The remuneration for a CHB is ₹13,700 monthly and a CHW gets ₹11,700 a month.

Thousands of contractual linesmen in Punjab continue to work in precarious conditions for the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) sans safety equipment.

cities

Updated on Oct 06, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByKaram Prakash, Patiala

Ludhiana: GTB Nagar residents rue frequent power outages

The residents of GTB Nagar in Ludhiana alleged that there was a spike in unscheduled power cuts between Sunday (September 22) and Thursday (September 26)

Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar in Ludhiana falls under the Focal Point division of the PSPCL. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Sep 30, 2024 08:18 AM IST

ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: PSPCL employees proceed on three-day mass leave over demands

Responding to the agitation by employees in Ludhiana, the PSPCL said that their demands will be accepted and warned them of strict action if they went on strike

PSPCL employees staging a protest in Ludhiana on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Sep 11, 2024 06:52 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

PSPCL official suspended for graft

PSPCL official Amit Setia suspended for allegedly blackmailing and demanding bribe from another officer. Further action pending investigation.

cities

Updated on Aug 29, 2024 09:58 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent

Powercom staff calls to gherao minister’s residence on Sept 1

The powercom employees said seeing the state government’s “evasive and irresponsible attitude” towards them, they have decided to intensify their protest

cities

Updated on Aug 29, 2024 05:14 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: PSPCL slapped fines worth ₹7.8 cr for power theft this year

With a total of 40 raids conducted this year, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) slapped fines worth ₹7.8 crore over power theft till the end of July, officials aware of the development said on Wednesday.

Officials say 30,000 connections checked in 40 raids till July , 313 cases of thefts and 498 incidents of meter tampering flagged. (HT Photo)

cities

Published on Aug 21, 2024 10:21 PM IST

ByRakshit Sharma, Ludhiana

PSPCL serves notice on TSPL for its failure to maintain coal stock

The TSPL is operating a 1,980 MW thermal plant in Punjab under a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in 2008 with the PSPCL.

The PSPCL has asked the TSPL to take corrective measures else it will revoke clauses of the power purchase agreement and approach the power regulator against it. (AP)

cities

Updated on Aug 21, 2024 09:00 AM IST

ByVishal Rambani

1,108 power theft cases detected, defaulters fined ₹437.54 lakh

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on Saturday uncovered 1,108 cases of electricity theft during a large-scale inspection drive carried out across five zones of the state.

cities

Updated on Aug 11, 2024 05:20 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Patiala

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Pointing out that the PSERC had issued its interim order without giving the appellant (PSPCL) an opportunity to be heard, the tribunal stated such a move was unjustified.

According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, on April 24, the combined storage in the key reservoirs of HP is currently 40.67 % below normal, while those Punjab the dip is 44.85%

Facing an acute staff shortage and surging electricity demand due to rising temperatures, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has issued an urgent directive to redeploy technical employees currently assigned to administrative roles back to field duties

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Ludhiana is facing one of the highest vacancy rates in the state, with 75.9% of linemen and assistant linemen positions unfilled; of the 4,963 sanctioned posts for these technical roles, 3,767 remain vacant

Workers say the crisis stems from cadre restructuring orders in 2019 and 2022, which slashed manpower across substations in Ludhiana; as a result, some substations are being handled by a single worker

The transformer was stolen for the second time on March 28, causing an estimated loss of ₹3.5 lakh and leaving farmers struggling without power for irrigation; junior engineer Lakhwinderjot Singh said that a new transformer has been allocated but farmers fear another theft

The transformers, valued at ₹3 lakh each, were being installed to replace older units when the accident took place; sudden snapping of the crane’s sling led to the heavy equipments crashing onto the road, spilling transformer oil in the area; no injuries were reported say PSPCL officials

Punjab's power losses increased, with feeders over 50% rising to 543. PSERC urges PSPCL to act on high-loss areas and curb electricity theft.

The rental scheme, which was introduced in February 2024, offered industries the option to lease the meters for a monthly fee of approximately ₹5,210, instead of purchasing them outright; industrialists have voiced concerns about the long-term cost implications

The officials said ₹80.81 put of ₹281.5 crore due with multiple departments were recovered during the drive started to meet revenue targets and reduce financial strain in view of the impending end of the current financial year

A VB spokesperson said the case was registered on the complaint filed of a resident of New Amar Nagar, Daba, Ludhiana

Though the hospital is connected to the no-power cut line, the sudden increase in the demand during the evening hours reduced the frequency and the system automatically shut down, said PSPCL chief engineer Jagdev Singh Hans

The drive also led to the recovery of ₹97.67 lakh from consumers who cleared their dues; disconnected connections included residential, commercial, and industrial consumers

The spokesperson said the complainant approached the VB and alleged that the accused deputy chief engineer had called him to his office and demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 and asked him to hand over this amount to the lineman Kewal Sharma.

Among the newly appointed engineers, 22 specialise in electronics and communication, and 13 in electrical engineering

Since the police are busy with security arrangements for Republic Day celebrations, the association has submitted its complaint online for now and they will approach the police station concerned on Monday

A VB spokesperson said complainant Sumeet Wadhwa, a resident of Sudarshan Park, Maksudan, Jalandhar, had approached the VB stating that two PSPCL officials were demanding ₹10,000 bribe for installing a new electricity meter at his residence.

A sudden dip in temperature led to tripping of electricity feeders, plunging 20% of the city into blackout on Monday. PSPCL’s central zone recorded 22,904 complaints, a staggering 85% increase from the 3,500 complaints filed just a day earlier.

A senior PSPCL official noted that the action was taken mostly against industrialists who failed to comply with environmental regulations, particularly those dumping untreated wastewater and harmful chemicals into the already polluted Buddha Nullah

FICO delegation, led by vice chairman Vipan Mittal and president Gurmeet Singh Kular, submitted a memorandum highlighting the challenges faced by industrialists

Most of the offences have been recorded in Khanna, Ludhiana, where 4,783 theft cases have been reported, followed by the city west circle (4,175 cases)

Around 5,500 linemen and assistant linesmen are employed as complaint-handling bikes (CHB) and complaint-handling wagons (CHW) by the PSPCL. The remuneration for a CHB is ₹13,700 monthly and a CHW gets ₹11,700 a month.

The residents of GTB Nagar in Ludhiana alleged that there was a spike in unscheduled power cuts between Sunday (September 22) and Thursday (September 26)

Responding to the agitation by employees in Ludhiana, the PSPCL said that their demands will be accepted and warned them of strict action if they went on strike

PSPCL official Amit Setia suspended for allegedly blackmailing and demanding bribe from another officer. Further action pending investigation.

The powercom employees said seeing the state government’s “evasive and irresponsible attitude” towards them, they have decided to intensify their protest

With a total of 40 raids conducted this year, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) slapped fines worth ₹7.8 crore over power theft till the end of July, officials aware of the development said on Wednesday.

The TSPL is operating a 1,980 MW thermal plant in Punjab under a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in 2008 with the PSPCL.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on Saturday uncovered 1,108 cases of electricity theft during a large-scale inspection drive carried out across five zones of the state.

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