Chennai, Apr 24: Tamil Nadu has recorded a fresh all-time high in electricity demand, with peak load touching 21,051 MW on April 22, while daily energy consumption surged to a record 466.196 million units (MU). The figures reflect a steady and sharp rise in power usage as the State grapples with intensifying summer conditions. The latest demand has surpassed the previous high of 21,010 MW recorded on April 17, while energy consumption has also exceeded the earlier peak of 462.664 MU logged on April 18.
The spike in demand is closely linked to soaring temperatures across the State. Cities such as Vellore recorded a high of 40.7°C, while Madurai touched 40°C. Several interior districts, including Erode, Dharmapuri, and Tirupattur, have consistently reported temperatures above 39°C, indicating widespread heat stress. The rising mercury levels have led to increased reliance on cooling appliances, pushing electricity consumption beyond the 20,000 MW mark on multiple occasions this month.
According to officials from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, the surge is largely driven by the extensive use of air conditioners in households and commercial spaces. At the same time, solar power has played a supportive role in meeting daytime demand, with generation peaking at 8,011 MW earlier this month and energy output reaching a record 58.60 MU on April 18. The sustained rise in demand underscores the growing pressure on the State’s power infrastructure during extreme weather conditions.