Chandigarh- Cabinet Minister for Power, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, today said that the Power Department has undertaken wide-ranging reforms during 2025 to ensure reliable power supply, consumer-friendly services and a modern, resilient power infrastructure across Punjab.
*Ease of Power Connections & Consumer-Friendly Reforms*
Sh. Arora said that PSPCL will now release electricity connections without requiring any No Objection Certificate (NOC), subject to submission of a mandatory undertaking by the applicant. Application forms have been simplified and digitisation of records is being undertaken on a priority basis.
To further promote Ease of Doing Business, PSPCL has exempted the submission and verification of Test Reports for all consumer categories (except Agriculture). Applicants seeking new connections, additional load or reduction in load up to 50 kW under the LT category are not required to submit any test report or self-certification from a licensed contractor.
He further informed that a statewide project is underway to straighten hanging overhead wires, minimise roadside poles, and improve safety and aesthetics. The project includes installation of new underground cables, distribution boxes and upgradation of transformers wherever required. A pilot project has already been completed in one sub-division, and tenders have now been floated for the remaining 86 sub-divisions across Punjab.
*Free Power to Domestic Consumers*
The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is providing free electricity up to 300 units per month or 600 units bi-monthly to all Domestic Supply (DS) consumers using electricity for residential purposes, irrespective of their sanctioned load. As a result, around 90% of domestic consumers have received zero electricity bills across the State.
*Agriculture & Uninterrupted Power Supply*
Punjab ensured more than 8 hours of uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector during the paddy season. Notably, no power cuts were imposed on industrial, residential or commercial consumers throughout the period.
*‘Roshan Punjab’ Initiative: ₹5, 000-Crore Power Infrastructure Push*
Highlighting the flagship ‘Roshan Punjab’ initiative, Sh. Arora said the comprehensive programme involves an investment of ₹5, 000 crore, partially funded under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The initiative aims to create a future-ready and resilient power grid by 2027, supporting industries, homes and farms across the State.
*Key Components under Roshan Punjab:*
Substation Strengthening Construction of 70 new substations
Major strengthening of 200 existing substations
Line Network Expansion:
Erection and upgradation of over 25, 000 km of power lines to enhance capacity and significantly reduce technical losses
Feeder & Transformer Upgrades:
Addition of 2, 000 new feeders and augmentation of 3, 000 existing feeders
Installation of 3, 600 new distribution transformers.
Upgradation of 4, 300 old transformers to stabilise voltage and minimise localised failures
*Industry-Friendly Measures*
The Minister said that existing industrial consumers are now allowed up to 10% additional Contract Demand (or 500 kVA, whichever is less) within 15 days, once in three years. Further, no feasibility clearance is required for demand above 500 kVA and up to 2000 kVA, significantly reducing connection timelines for industries.
*Record Power Demand Successfully Met*
Punjab successfully met its highest-ever peak power demand of 16, 670 MW on July 5, 2025, which was 11.42% higher than the demand recorded on the same day last year (14, 961 MW).
This surpassed the previous peak of 16, 428 MW on June 28, 2025, and the earlier record of 16, 058 MW on June 29, 2024.
*Strengthening of PSPCL & Employment Generation*
Sh. Arora said that 8, 984 candidates have been recruited in PSPCL/PSTCL since 2022, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to employment generation. In FY 2024-25, PSPCL recorded a profit of ₹2, 630 crore, significantly strengthening its financial position. A One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme was also launched for defaulting consumers (except Agriculture) to clear outstanding dues.
*Acquisition & Revival of Guru Amardas Thermal Plant*
After its acquisition by PSPCL in February 2024, the Guru Amardas Thermal Plant (GATP), Goindwal Sahib, has shown a remarkable turnaround. The Plant Load Factor increased to about 82% in July 2025, compared to an average of only 34% during April 2016 to January 2024 prior to acquisition.
*Enhanced Transmission Capacity*
Punjab’s transmission capacity (ATC/TTC) has increased from 7400/8000 MW in April 2022 to 10, 400/10, 900 MW, enabling higher power imports from the national grid.
An expenditure of ₹4, 620.5 crore (power and civil components, including IDC) has been incurred till April 2025.
*Enhanced Safety, Compensation & Medical Benefits for Employees*
The Minister disclosed that
Ex-gratia compensation for regular employees in fatal duty accidents has been increased from ₹30 lakh to ₹35 lakh.Compensation for outsourced employees has been enhanced to ₹30 lakh.Medical advance for regular employees injured on duty has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Medical advance up to ₹3 lakh has been extended to outsourced employees.