High-cost power to be purchased for 16 days to avoid unscheduled cuts, says Minister
Tamil Nadu is purchasing high-cost power to prevent unscheduled electricity cuts due to a 30% surge in demand caused by the El Niño effect. The state government is struggling with reduced output from central generating stations and lower-than-expected wind power generation.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs and supply volatility pose significant economic challenges for state-level power distribution and infrastructure management.
Energy Resources Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Tuesday said a prolonged summer had led to a spurt in electricity demand in the State, and the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) had to resort to purchasing power at more than ₹30 per unit to avoid unscheduled power cuts.
Addressing the media, he said the current peak power demand was 21,000 MW when compared to 16,000 MW last year — a 30% increase due to the El Niño effect. He said the entire country was facing an energy shortage.
The Minister said that currently, gas power was the only source available, and it was being purchased at more than ₹30 per unit.
The expensive power was being purchased for managing the evening peak-hour demand for six hours from October 15 to 31, he added.
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