Scorching heatwave: Tamil Nadu’s daily power consumption rises to 20,000 MW
Tamil Nadu: Due to the heat in Tamil Nadu, daily electricity consumption reached a new high of 20,060 MW on April 22nd. Electricity Board officials have stated that daily electricity demand may increase to 22,000 MW in the coming days.
Electricity Board officials stated: Tamil Nadu’s daily electricity demand is approximately 16,000 MW. During the summer months, increased use of electrical appliances such as fans, refrigerators, and freezers typically increases daily electricity demand to 20,000 MW. Accordingly, the highest electricity consumption of 20,830 MW was recorded on May 2nd last year.
This year, the sun’s influence has increased even before the summer begins. Higher temperatures, especially at night, have led to higher-than-normal use of refrigerators in homes. Meanwhile, the use of electric stoves has also increased due to a shortage of gas cylinders. This year, the highest electricity consumption of 20,060 MW was recorded on April 22nd. Following this, the period of Agni Nakshatra, also known as ‘Kathri Ghunghat’, will begin on May 4th. Due to this, daily electricity consumption is expected to increase to 21,000 MW in the coming days.
Currently, thermal power plants under the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board generate 4,000 MW of electricity daily. In addition, 6,000 MW is obtained daily from the central government, 6,000 MW from solar power, 2,000 MW from the long-term power purchase scheme, and 2,000 MW from the medium-term power purchase scheme. The remaining 2,000 MW of electricity is being purchased from private companies and other states under short-term power purchase and power transfer schemes for the next three months. Meanwhile, electricity generated from hydro, gas, and wind is used during peak hours (6 p.m. to 5 a.m.).
Therefore, there will be no problem supplying 22,000 MW of electricity daily for the next three months to meet the public’s electricity needs. Officials said that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
