Chandigarh, Jun 11 (Reporter) Notwithstanding a government holiday on Wednesday on account of Kabir Jayanti, power demand in Punjab scaled to a record high of 16836 Mega Watt due to sweltering heat coupled with paddy load. The Punjab State Power Corposation Limited (PSPCL) was drawing over 10,243 MW from the northern grid while its own gross generation was 6600 MW. All the thermal units are operating today. Even hydel plants are running, including four Ranjit Sagar units. At the time of record demand, PSPCL's own thermal generation was 2020 MW, and private thermal generation was 3192 MW. PSPCL's hydro generation was 950 MW and solar generation was 395 MW. On Tuesday, Punjab's electricity demand soared to a record-breaking 16,249 MW, surpassing the previous year’s peak of 16089 MW recorded on June 29 However, if the current weather pattern persists, the maximum power demand in Punjab could potentially exceed 17000 MW in the coming days. PSPCL claims it is prepared to take additional measures, including importing more power and optimizing local generation, to meet this anticipated demand. The drawing limit from the northern grid is 10400 MW and its own maximum power availability may be around 6600 MW under ideal conditions. On Tuesday, PSPCL supplied 3383 lakh units with maximum demand of 16246 MW. On Monday PSPCL supplied 3295 lakh units with maximum demand of around 15640 MW. After an unusually cool summer in early June, the return of summer heat wave temperature is touching 44 degree celcious and the power demand has started rising sharply for the last three days. The coal stock at thermal plants in the state and power sector is sufficient. Lehra Mohabbat thermal has 21 days of coal stock, Ropar thermal 34 days of coal stock, and Goindwal 28 days stock. In the private sector Rajpura has 31 days stock and Talwandi Sabo 23 days coal stock. The water level in Bhakra Dam is 1555.4 feet, lower by 28 feet as compared to last year's level of 1584.2 feet. At Ranjit Sagar water level is 506.9 metres as compared to 507.20 metres on the corresponding day...////...