Electricity demand peaks this September, unscheduled power cuts return to Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is experiencing significant power shortages and unscheduled outages due to record-high electricity demand this September. Residents across several cities have staged protests to demand more reliable power supply.
Why it matters
The crisis underscores the challenges of managing energy infrastructure in regions facing extreme weather and rapid urbanization.
As many parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, are going through an extended summer this September, resulting in searing heat conditions, unscheduled power cuts have returned to the State.
The power demand remained steady in the past few months, at 20,500 MW, as against 16,000 MW-17,000 MW during this time last year. With the shortage of over 3,000 MW, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has had to purchase 2,000 MW to tide over the crisis.
The power demand in Chennai, which breached the 5,000-MW mark in June this year, is in the range of 4,200 MW to 4,500 MW. Normally, the city’s power demand during this period of the year was 3,500 MW to 3,800 MW, TNPDCL officials said.
Unscheduled power cuts led to protests across the State last week. In Tirunelveli, Tiruchi, and Ambasamudram, residents staged a protest to highlight the regular power cuts at night.
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