Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Andhra Pradesh’s Heat Wave Drives Power Demand Up 20%
Andhra Pradesh is using much more electricity because the weather is very hot.
People are running air-conditioners and coolers during the day and night.
Some farmers are also using electric motors to pump groundwater.
The state used 280 million units of electricity on Friday.
Its highest recorded use was 288.9 million units on May 21.
Officials are buying extra electricity from other places so homes and businesses do not lose power.
Some electricity is also coming from wind, thermal and hydroelectric sources.
A canal power house recently increased its hydropower generation to 19 megawatts.
Officials expect this generation to continue until September 7, depending on the available water.
Andhra Pradesh’s daily power consumption has risen by 15%–20% during continuing heat-wave conditions.
The state consumed 280 million units on Friday, below its record 288.9 MU recorded on May 21.
Air-conditioners, air-coolers and agricultural groundwater pumps are driving much of the increased demand.
Authorities are buying additional electricity from outside the state to prevent shortages and supply disruptions.
Hydropower generation from the Nagarjunasagar Right Main Canal Power House reached 19 MW and is expected to continue through September 7.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh electricity authorities, residents using cooling equipment, and farmers using groundwater pumps.
- What
- Daily power demand has increased by 15%–20%, prompting additional electricity purchases and increased hydropower generation.
- When
- The higher demand has continued since March; the state consumed 280 MU on Friday, while canal-based hydropower generation is expected through September 7.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, including the Nagarjunasagar Right Main Canal Power House.
- Why
- Heat-wave conditions are increasing cooling use, while some farmers are using electric motors to pump groundwater.
- Friday consumption
- 280 million units (MU)
- Record consumption
- 288.9 MU on May 21
- Thermal generation
- About 98 MU per day
- Central generating stations
- About 35 MU per day
- Wind generation
- About 40–50 MU per day
- Hydropower generation
- About 5 MU normally from the Lower Sileru project; canal-based generation reached 19 MW
- Outside-state purchases
- Three to four MU during non-peak daytime hours and two to three MU during evening peak hours