Bathinda: The ongoing strike by outsourced contract workers at government thermal power plants has started affecting electricity production across Punjab. The impact has deepened as three out of four units at the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant stopped generating power due to the shortage of technical staff.
According to reports, one unit at Ropar and one unit at Goindwal also stopped operations, reducing Punjab’s own power generation capacity significantly. The situation has forced the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to depend more on electricity purchases from the central pool, increasing the financial burden.
Sources said power management is facing difficulties in running thermal units without contract employees, as these workers handle several important operational and maintenance tasks. The strike has continued since June 16, affecting regular plant activities.
At the Lehra Mohabbat plant, Unit 2 was shut down due to clinker formation in the boiler, while Unit 3 stopped after coal supply issues caused the bunker to empty. These shutdowns have impacted more than 1,800 MW of Punjab’s electricity generation capacity.
Several units in government and private power plants have also faced technical problems, adding pressure on the state’s electricity system. Officials have warned that power cuts across Punjab cannot be ruled out if the situation continues.
The authorities are monitoring the situation while efforts are underway to restore normal power production and resolve the workers’ concerns.
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