Chennai, Sept 2:
Tamil Nadu’s electricity demand surged by more than 12% in August, with the State recording its highest-ever power requirement for the month amid unusually high temperatures and humidity.
Tamil Nadu recorded a peak power demand of 21,615 MW in August, up 12.14% from 19,275 MW during the corresponding month last year. Energy consumption also increased 12.66%, from 11,271 million units (MU) in August 2025 to 12,699 MU this year.
The increase coincided with an exceptionally hot August across the country. According to the India Meteorological Department, August 2026 recorded a mean temperature of 28.01°C across India, 0.67°C above the long-period average, making it the hottest August since 1901.
The sharp increase in electricity use was particularly evident in daily consumption figures. Power consumption crossed 400 MU on 25 days in August, compared with only two days during August 2025.
The highest daily consumption this year stood at 459 MU, against 422 MU last year. Even the lowest daily consumption was higher, at 363 MU compared with 313 MU in August 2025.
Peak demand crossed the 20,000 MW mark on 16 days during August, including one day when demand exceeded 21,000 MW.
The surge followed a record-breaking July. Tamil Nadu had recorded an all-time peak demand of 21,724 MW on July 14 and its highest-ever daily energy consumption of 475.447 MU on July 17.
Officials attributed the continuing increase to prolonged heat and humidity, which pushed up the use of air-conditioners, air-coolers and other cooling appliances in homes, commercial establishments and industries. Increased use of induction stoves also contributed to the rise.