Telangana power demand rises to 19,892 MW
Hyderabad: Power demand in Telangana has surged amid El Nino conditions, putting pressure on continuous power supply. With electricity consumption rising to record levels across several states because of high temperatures and humidity, distribution companies are struggling to procure power even when they are willing to pay up to ₹10 per unit.
Severe rainfall deficiency and low water levels in reservoirs have also pushed up power demand unexpectedly during the monsoon. Normally, arrangements for uninterrupted supply are made based on annual demand growth of 6% to 7%. This year, however, daily demand has risen by 23% to as much as 88%, putting the distribution companies under pressure.
September records bring unprecedented monsoon power demand
Telangana recorded a peak demand of 19,543 megawatts on September 9, 2026, described as unprecedented for the state during the monsoon. The demand on the same day last year was 15,906 megawatts.
That record was surpassed on September 30, when demand touched 19,892 megawatts. Compared with the 10,529-megawatt demand recorded on September 30, 2025, the latest figure was 88.9% higher.
Lack of rain drives farm, household and industrial consumption
Normally, daily power demand in Telangana during the monsoon remains between 12,000 and 15,000 megawatts. This year, the lack of rain has pushed consumption above 19,000 megawatts as farmers rely on around 30 lakh agricultural borewells for cultivation, households use airconditioners amid high humidity and industries maintain production.
Power consumption by motors used for lift irrigation schemes has also increased sharply. At the same time last year, these motors consumed around 450 megawatts a day. This year, consumption has risen to 1,600 megawatts.
The shortage of coal has added to the difficulties, while reduced hydropower generation because of low reservoir levels has further constrained supply.
Even offers to pay ₹10 per unit have not ensured adequate availability of power.
