Chennai, Oct 29:
Tamil Nadu’s peak electricity demand has surged to around 21,700 MW, nearly 30% higher than the 16,800 MW recorded during the corresponding period last year, as prolonged hot weather has increased consumption across the State. The spike has forced the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) to explore emergency power purchases to meet peak-hour requirements and prevent unscheduled power cuts.
The extended summer, attributed partly to El Niño conditions, has increased the use of air-conditioners and other cooling appliances. At the same time, a decline in wind power generation and reduced availability from central generating stations have widened the gap between demand and supply.
TNPDCL floated tenders to procure up to 4,500 MW of additional power for October 12-31. The proposed procurement included 3,000 MW between 6 pm and midnight, when demand typically peaks, and 1,500 MW between midnight and 2 am. The utility was already meeting part of its requirements through short-term agreements, power swaps and electricity exchanges.
Electricity Minister R N Nirmalkumar said the State was facing a shortfall of nearly 1,850 MW in expected supply from central generating stations. Wind generation, against a contracted capacity of around 3,500 MW, had also fallen sharply, adding to the pressure on the grid. The government said additional purchases were necessary to maintain an uninterrupted supply.
The emergency purchases triggered criticism from opposition parties over the cost of electricity procured from the open market. Some bids reportedly reached ₹37 per unit, raising concerns about the financial burden on the State’s power utility. The government defended the move as a temporary measure to avoid prolonged power cuts and said it would monitor prices and purchase only the power required.
The minister also said the government planned to pursue longer-term power procurement agreements and increase generation capacity to reduce dependence on costly short-term purchases. The administration has attributed part of the current problem to inadequate long-term planning by previous governments, a claim contested by the Opposition.
The onset of the northeast monsoon subsequently eased demand. Electricity demand fell to 14,804 MW on October 19 from 20,436 MW on October 13, a decline of more than 5,600 MW. Daily consumption also dropped significantly, allowing the utility to scale back thermal generation and avoid drawing costly power under some short-term agreements. Officials said future procurement would depend on rainfall and demand trends.
The episode has renewed attention on Tamil Nadu’s need to strengthen long-term power planning, improve the reliability of supply and diversify its energy sources. While emergency purchases can help meet sudden spikes in consumption, sustained investment in generation, renewable energy and storage will be crucial to limiting costs and ensuring reliable electricity supply.