Punjab Govt changes office timings to 7.30 am to 2 pm to save power
PTC Web Desk: In a decision aimed at saving power units in summer months, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has changed the time table of all government offices in the state.
In a video message, Bhagwant Mann said from May 2 till July 15, all government offices in Punjab would open from 7.30 am to 2 pm.
Bhagwant Mann said the decision had been taken after due deliberations with stakeholders, including employees as well as Powercom CMD Baldev Singh Sran.
Bhagwant Mann said as per Baldev Singh Sran, the power load in Punjab was more between 2 pm and 5 pm. Therefore, the change in the timetable of government offices would help save the consumption of electricity, besides reducing burden on power grid.
Bhagwant Mann said this system was followed abroad where people change their timings after six months to reap the maximum benefit of sunlight. Bhagwant Mann said by closing offices early, there would be less burden on power grid.
The state of Punjab had previously adopted this measure in 2005-2006, when it only had three thermal power plants. However, last year, the demand for power increased to 14,310 MW, leading to long power cuts during the peak paddy season. This year, in February, the power demand increased by almost 25 per cent.
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has also filed a petition before the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) seeking permission to impose power cuts across the state as regulatory measures.
The Punjab Chief Minister has assured citizens that the government was working on a long-term solution to power crisis.
- With inputs from our correspondent
