Telangana is currently experiencing a rise in power demand, prompting power distribution companies (discoms) to remain on high alert to ensure uninterrupted supply.
In August, the state’s power demand hit 15,573 megawatts (MW), making Telangana the fifth-highest in the country. It surpassed states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Punjab. Only Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu registered higher demand during this period.
So far, power companies have managed to meet the growing demand. However, officials have warned that the situation might become more challenging as demand is expected to increase further, especially during the summer months.
The surge in demand is attributed to the growing electricity usage by industries, IT hubs, households, and the agricultural sector, particularly in and around Hyderabad. Greater Hyderabad alone saw a significant 23% increase in power demand, much higher than the usual yearly rise of 12%. In November, the demand reached 4,352 MW, up from 3,756 MW during the same period last year.
Power consumption in the region also grew from 79 million units to 90 million units, marking a 15% increase. To meet this rising demand, power companies have been spending approximately Rs 1,000 crore every month to purchase electricity from the National Energy Exchange.
Officials have expressed concerns about potential issues if the Yadadri Thermal Power Station does not become operational by March. In such a scenario, the state would have to continue buying power from the open market, which could further increase costs for the power distribution companies.
The rising costs and increasing demand underscore the need for immediate solutions to ensure a stable power supply for Telangana’s growing population and industries.
