Chennai, July 18:
Tamil Nadu has recorded an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption, with daily power demand reaching a historic high of 473.57 million units (MU). This figure surpasses the previous record set just a day earlier, reflecting the sustained pressure on the State’s power infrastructure amid ongoing heatwave conditions.
The peak power demand also remained significantly high, touching 21,717 MW, just short of the all-time high recorded earlier this week. Officials attribute this sharp rise in consumption to the prolonged heatwave caused by a weak Southwest Monsoon and the impact of El Niño, which has led to persistently high temperatures across several districts. Increased usage of air conditioners and cooling appliances has further contributed to the spike in demand.
In response to the growing strain on the power distribution network, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has extended the deployment of additional outsourced manpower until August 31. This extension, covering a period of 46 days from July 17, aims to ensure faster restoration of power supply and improve reliability across the State.
The utility has planned the daily deployment of 18,838 personnel across 2,854 operation and maintenance sections. High-load areas in North Chennai, including Vyasarpadi, MKB Nagar, Perambur East, and Villivakkam, will receive increased manpower support. Other regions such as Chennai and Kancheepuram will also see enhanced staffing, while hill stations like the Nilgiris, Yercaud, and Kodaikanal will be allocated additional personnel based on demand.
The continued surge in electricity usage has placed heavy stress on infrastructure, resulting in frequent transformer failures, feeder faults, and localized power outages, particularly in urban areas. To manage the situation effectively, TNPDCL has retained an enhanced daily wage for workers and instructed officials to ensure proper monitoring and accountability in restoration efforts.
With temperatures expected to remain high and demand unlikely to ease in the coming weeks, authorities are focused on strengthening operational readiness to maintain uninterrupted power supply across Tamil Nadu.