Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Telangana Faces Power Strain Amid Reservoir Depletion
Telangana is facing a tough time with electricity because its big water reservoirs are very low.
This is because of a weather pattern called El Niño, which makes it hotter and reduces rainfall.
With less water, the dams can't produce as much electricity.
The government is trying to fix this by using more coal power and buying electricity from other places.
But even with these efforts, there might not be enough power, especially in the evenings and at night.
The problem is not just in Telangana; other places are also struggling to get enough electricity.
Telangana's major hydel reservoirs have dropped from 287 tmc ft to just 19 tmc ft, reducing hydel energy from 1,576 MU to 101 MU.
El Niño has increased electricity demand for cooling and agricultural pumping while reducing reservoir inflows.
Peak demand is projected to reach 18,203 MW, with a potential shortfall of up to 5,503 MW without hydel support.
The government is maximizing thermal generation, ensuring coal supplies, and promoting energy conservation to mitigate the impact.
Power exchange bids have risen 44% over last year, with a 30% decrease in electricity offered for sale and a 34% decrease in cleared volumes.
- Who
- Telangana State Load Despatch Centre (TGSLDC), Telangana Power Generation Corporation (TGGenco), Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
- What
- Telangana is preparing for a difficult power season due to depleted reservoirs and the impact of El Niño.
- When
- Current situation as of July 20, with projections for August to October.
- Where
- Telangana, India
- Why
- El Niño has reduced hydropower generation and increased electricity demand, leading to a potential power shortage.
Government Measures
Challenges Ahead
Power Generation Strategy
Government Measures
The government is directing TGGenco to maximize thermal generation and ensure uninterrupted coal supplies to thermal stations.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these measures, the state could face a peak shortfall of up to 5,503 MW, making evening and night hours the most challenging.
Energy Conservation
Government Measures
The government plans to conserve limited hydel generation for peak demand and shift agricultural pumping to daytime when solar generation is high.
Challenges Ahead
The stress extends beyond Telangana, with purchase bids on power exchanges rising 44% over last year and electricity offered for sale falling 30%.
- Current Reservoir Storage
- 19 tmc ft (down from 287 tmc ft a year ago)
- Equivalent Stored Hydel Energy
- 101 MU (down from 1,576 MU last year)
- Peak Demand (July 1-19)
- 16,650 MW (up 7.8% from last year)
- Projected Peak Demand (August-October)
- 18,203 MW
- Potential Peak Shortfall
- Up to 5,503 MW without hydel support
- Power Exchange Bids (July)
- 44% increase over last year
- Electricity Offered for Sale (July)
- 30% decrease over last year
- Cleared Volumes (July)
- 34% decrease over last year