Hyderabad, December 2, 2024: Telangana’s power demand has witnessed a sharp increase in recent months, pushing state-run power distribution companies (discoms) into high alert mode. The surge, attributed to industrial, commercial, and agricultural consumption, has placed Telangana among the top five states in power demand, surpassing Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Punjab.
Telangana Ranks Fifth in Power Demand
According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Telangana recorded a peak power demand of 15,573 MW in August, securing the fifth position nationwide. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 29,126 MW, followed by Maharashtra (25,855 MW), Gujarat (21,918 MW), and Tamil Nadu (17,843 MW).
While discoms have managed to meet the rising demand so far, energy department officials have urged them to prepare for further increases, particularly as the summer months approach.
Surging Demand in Hyderabad
Greater Hyderabad has been a major contributor to the rise in power consumption, recording a 23% increase in demand within city limits. Typically, power demand grows at an annual rate of 12%, but this year, November alone witnessed a significant spike due to unusual weather conditions.
Officials reported that last year, the city’s peak power demand was 3,756 MW, which rose to 4,352 MW this year. Similarly, daily power usage increased from 79 million units (MU) to 90 MU, marking a 15% growth.
Financial Strain on Discoms
To meet the growing demand, discoms are spending approximately ₹1,000 crore each month on power purchases from the National Energy Exchange. Officials warn that if the 5×800 MW Yadadri Thermal Power Station (YTPS) project, under construction in Nalgonda district, does not commence operations by March, the state may face challenges in meeting the summer demand.
Risk of Additional Burden
Delays in the YTPS project would compel discoms to continue purchasing power from the open market, further straining their already stressed finances. The Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO) has been urged to expedite the project’s completion to ensure stable power supply during peak demand months.
As power consumption trends continue to climb across industries and households, discoms are bracing for a challenging summer ahead.
