As mercury rises across states, the power demand in Punjab is steadily increasing after remaining subdued in the first two weeks of April due to inclement weather.As per daily data from the Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC), the maximum power demand met on April 20 was 9,360 MW, with a supply of 1,798 lakh units (LU).The NRLDC is a government-run body under GRID-INDIA (formerly POSOCO) responsible for the reliable and secure operation of the power grid across the northern region of India.The Ranjit Sagar Dam project, Mukerian, and UBDC are not operating due to low demand. These units will pick up generation after the paddy season begins. The maximum power demand may touch 18,000 MW.The maximum demand on the corresponding day last year was 8,653 MW with a supply of 1,629 LU.Punjab had previously recorded a peak demand of 17,233 MW last year, highlighting the rising demand on the grid, while earlier highs included 16,838 MW on June 11, 2025, and 16,192 MW on June 10, 2025.Power sector faces a crucial period as summer electricity demand is expected to hit record highs. The 2026 southwest monsoon is expected to be weaker than usual, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projecting rainfall at 92 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). This “below normal” forecast (90-95 per cent of LPA) is driven by a potential transition from La Niña to El Niño conditions, which could impact agriculture, with above-normal temperatures.Normally, there is an increase of 1,000 MW every year. “This summer, it would not be a surprise if all previous records of power demand are broken during the paddy season that starts in June”, said a PSPCL official.