Temperatures Expected to Exceed 44 Degrees Celsius, Electricity Shortage Looms
Kolkata, April 28, 2024:As the mercury rises, Kolkata finds itself in the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures already surpassing the forty-degree mark and climbing. Reports indicate that certain areas have even breached the forty-four degrees Celsius threshold, signaling a relentless onslaught of scorching heat.
With the heatwave showing no signs of abating, concerns are mounting over the city's electricity supply. Officials warn of a looming shortage, with estimates suggesting a potential deficit of up to 13,000 megawatts in the West Bengal power grid if temperatures continue to soar into May and June.
According to authorities at the electricity department, the demand for electricity in the CESC area is projected to reach a staggering 5,000 megawatts. This surge in demand comes amidst ongoing load shedding, as evidenced by recent images depicting widespread power cuts across the city.
Last year's records offer a stark comparison, with the demand for electricity peaking at 2,728 megawatts in the CESC area on April 26, and soaring to 9,935 megawatts in areas under the State Electricity Board. As Kolkata braces for hotter days ahead, residents and officials alike are scrambling to find solutions to alleviate the strain on the city's power infrastructure.
