Telangana power demand hits record 19,543 MW amid shortage
HYDERABAD: Telangana’s power demand has hit a record 19,543 megawatts amid a growing shortage, with El Nino conditions, poor rainfall, falling groundwater levels and high temperatures driving up electricity consumption.
Power availability has also tightened as competition in power exchanges has pushed prices to the ₹10-per-unit ceiling. Officials are finding it difficult to secure adequate supplies even after placing bids at the maximum price.
Peak demand rises 17% as farmers depend on irrigation pumps
The state’s peak demand touched 19,543 MW at 10.41am on September 9, the highest recorded in its power sector, according to the figures cited in the report. The peak during the previous kharif season was 16,613 MW, making the latest demand about 17% higher.
With rainfall remaining poor, farmers have been running agricultural pumps for longer periods to protect their crops. Lift irrigation projects operating simultaneously have added to the pressure on the grid.
The report said power demand has risen steadily in recent years. Peak demand was 13,191 MW in 2022, 15,370 MW in 2023, 15,573 MW in 2024 and 16,613 MW in 2025, before rising to 19,543 MW in 2026.
Household electricity consumption is also increasing after sunset. The report said the state recorded a power deficit of 328.39 million units over a 40-day period from August 21.
Discoms struggle as exchange prices reach ₹10
The situation worsened on September 8 when a maximum gap of 8,105 MW emerged within 15 minutes, according to the report. The imbalance affected the grid and raised concerns over system stability.
Power department officials were prepared to pay the maximum exchange price of ₹10 per unit, but adequate electricity was still unavailable. This has added to the difficulties faced by the distribution companies.
About 55 lakh acres have been planted with paddy in the state. The crop may take another month to reach the harvesting stage. Officials are concerned that continued high temperatures and a lack of rainfall could further increase both agricultural and household demand.
Power shortage across states adds to Telangana pressure
Power shortages across the country have pushed up prices on electricity exchanges, increasing the financial burden on distribution companies.
The report said the market price during the daytime was around ₹2 per unit, but rose to the ₹10-per-unit ceiling from 4pm until 8am the following day.
The average price was reported at ₹7.90 per unit in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) and ₹7.95 in the Real Time Market (RTM). Even when distribution companies bid at ₹10, reduced availability meant that purchase orders were not always executed.
The nationwide shortage has also limited the availability of electricity from other states.
In Uttar Pradesh, coal shortages have reportedly resulted in a deficit of 2,000 to 3,000 MW. In Punjab, thermal power plant constraints have led to power cuts of up to 10 hours for industries, according to the report.
Rural areas of Andhra Pradesh have also witnessed power interruptions, while Kerala has faced difficulties in procuring electricity amid higher prices.
