📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In the months of April to June 2024, Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant surge in power consumption, with an increase of over 7% compared to the same period last year. According to the provisional data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Union Ministry of Power, Tamil Nadu’s power consumption soared to 35,385 million units in this period, up from 32,909 million units in the previous year. This surge in power demand has led Tamil Nadu to hold the highest power demand among the southern states. The State’s power grid reached a new peak, hitting a demand of 20,830 MW on May 2, setting a new daily consumption record of 454.32 million units on April 30, showcasing a 6.54% increase from the previous year.
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, also experienced a boost in power usage, recording a maximum demand of 4,769 MW and a daily consumption peak of 101.755 million units on May 31. The State’s conventional power capacity stands at 15,839.56 MW, while factoring in renewable energy sources brings the total installed capacity to 36,563.27 MW. The power demand is met by a mix of State-owned conventional thermal and gas plants, along with non-conventional hydro, wind, and solar plants.
The energy department’s policy note highlighted that after reaching peak demand levels in April and May, the state’s power demand moderated in June 2024. In June, Tamil Nadu’s peak power demand was recorded at 18,498 MW, with an overall energy consumption of 10,575 million units. A report from CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics in June noted a significant increase in power demand in north India due to a prolonged heatwave, while other regions of the country also saw an uptick in consumption.
Overall, India’s peak power consumption in June touched 245.41 GW, following a historic high of 250 GW in May, indicating a growing demand for electricity across the country. With increasing power consumption trends and the focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources, it is crucial for states like Tamil Nadu to continue investing in sustainable energy solutions to meet the rising energy needs of the population.
