Timings Adjustment Delivers 25% Savings in Office Power Demand

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government's decision to change the timings of government offices, as announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has resulted in noteworthy electricity savings. A senior official reported that the electricity demand of offices has decreased by approximately 25 percent. The combination of adjusted office timings and milder temperatures in May and June contributed to an overall 10 percent reduction in electricity demand across Punjab. The arrival of rainfall also led to a decreased need for air conditioning and coolers. Additionally, farmers required less power to operate tube wells.

The primary motive behind altering office timings was not only to conserve electricity but also to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann cited discussions with Powercom officials as the basis for this decision. During the announcement, CM Mann revealed that Powercom officials had informed him about the peak load of 300 to 350 MW experienced by offices between 1:30 PM and 5 PM during the summer months. Feedback from employees and visitors further supported the extension of office hours until 2 pm.

On average, Punjab requires 11,000 to 12,000 MW of electricity daily. On June 23, the state recorded a peak demand of 15,300 MW. The peak period typically occurs from the last week of June to mid-July, coinciding with the paddy plantation season. The government's modification of office hours from 7:30 am to 2 pm, implemented from May 2 to July 15, aimed to conserve electricity, and it yielded positive results. According to a senior PowerCom official, the average daily electricity consumption in offices between 2 pm and 5 pm is expected to decrease by 200 MW during the two and a half months. This translates to a 25 percent saving compared to the previous year.

From Monday, July 17, office hours will revert to the original timing of 9 am to 5 pm, as stated in the issued notification. The temporary adjustment of office timings over a period of two and a half months was implemented due to the intense heat experienced during this period, where the use of fans, coolers, and air conditioners in offices becomes essential. The modified timings were in effect for a total of 75 days, excluding the 21 Saturday-Sunday holidays. Consequently, the overall electricity consumption in government offices decreased by 10,800 MW for 54 days.