Patna: Rising temperatures across the state capital have led to a sharp increase in electricity demand, pushing power consumption in the Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (PESU) area close to record levels.
According to power utility officials, a peak load of 843.1 MW was recorded in the PESU area on Friday as residents increasingly relied on cooling appliances to cope with the heat.
Although the figure remains below the all-time summer record of 883 MW registered last year, officials believe a new peak could be reached in the coming days if temperatures continue to rise.
Demand Rebounds After Brief Weather-Related Dip
Power demand in Patna had touched a seasonal high of 862.3 MW on May 23 before declining due to a temporary change in weather conditions.
Electricity consumption fell to around 750 MW on May 26 and dropped further over the following days. Loads of 684.2 MW and 682.8 MW were recorded on May 27 and May 28 respectively, while the peak demand fell to 481 MW on May 29.
However, with the return of hotter conditions, consumption has steadily increased once again.
Officials said the recent surge in demand corresponds closely with the rise in daytime temperatures and persistent heat conditions across the city.
Consumer Complaints Also Increasing
The growing pressure on the power distribution network is also being reflected in the number of consumer complaints received by PESU.
Data from the utility’s fuse call centres show a steady rise in reports related to fuse failures and power supply disruptions.
A total of 1,303 complaints were registered on June 2. The number increased to 1,322 on June 3 and climbed further to 1,405 on Friday.
Officials said the increase in complaints is largely linked to higher electricity usage and the additional strain placed on local distribution infrastructure during periods of peak demand.
Additional Centres Set Up Until October
To improve response times and maintain uninterrupted supply during the summer and monsoon months, PESU has expanded its field-level support infrastructure.
In addition to its existing 70 fuse call centres, the utility has established 13 temporary centres across the city.
These centres will remain operational until October 31 and are intended to facilitate quicker resolution of technical faults and localised outages.
A total of 228 technical personnel have been deployed to staff the temporary facilities.
Power officials said the additional workforce has been mobilised to ensure prompt action on consumer complaints and minimise disruptions during periods of high electricity demand.
