Chennai, May 1:
Tamil Nadu’s power consumption continues to surge, with both peak demand and daily energy usage touching fresh highs for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.
According to official data, peak demand reached an all-time high of 21,307 MW, while daily energy consumption climbed to 471.456 million units (MU), reflecting a sustained upward trend across the State.
Data from the State Load Despatch Centre showed that the latest figures surpassed Tuesday’s peak demand of 21,211 MW and consumption of 470.674 MU. The steady rise throughout April has seen multiple records being broken, including 21,117 MW on April 27 and 21,060 MW on April 21. This also exceeds the previous year’s peak of 20,830 MW recorded on May 2, 2024.
Energy consumption has mirrored this trend, increasing from 460.301 MU on April 16 and 462.664 MU on April 18 to 466.196 MU on April 22, before setting consecutive new highs over the past three days. Officials attribute the surge to rising summer temperatures, increased use of cooling appliances such as air-conditioners, and higher electricity demand during the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
To manage the growing demand, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has been sourcing nearly one-third of its electricity from private producers through a mix of long-term, medium-term, and short-term purchase agreements, along with procurement from power exchanges.
On Wednesday alone, the utility procured 88.884 MU through short-term purchases and exchanges, 51.979 MU via long-term agreements, and 32.234 MU under medium-term contracts.
Of the total consumption of 471.456 MU, about 173.057 MU—around 36 per cent—was met through private power procurement.
Central generating stations contributed 118.929 MU, while renewable energy sources accounted for 61.826 MU. TNPDCL’s own generation, including thermal power stations, contributed only about 17 per cent of the total requirement, underlining the State’s increasing dependence on external sources to meet peak demand.