Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Says Power Purchases Prevent Shortage Amid Outages
Tamil Nadu uses windmills to make some of its electricity.
Recently, the wind became weaker, so the windmills produced less power than expected.
The government bought extra electricity to keep the supply running.
Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said the state does not have a shortage of electricity.
He said some people still experienced power cuts because of problems moving electricity through local networks.
The government is currently paying about Rs.
20 for each unit of purchased power.
It plans to sign longer agreements from October to lower costs.
The state also plans to promote rooftop solar panels and prepare for the northeast monsoon.
Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said Tamil Nadu has sufficient power and no outages caused by an electricity shortage.
The government purchased 2,500 MW last week and 1,500 MW on Tuesday after wind-power production declined.
The minister attributed some local, including lengthy, power cuts to transmission and distribution failures.
Long-term power-purchase agreements are expected from October, while electricity is currently being bought at about Rs. 20 per unit.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is preparing for the northeast monsoon and plans an app for rooftop-solar applications.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Electricity and Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar and Tamil Nadu Electricity Board officials.
- What
- The government purchased additional electricity after wind-power production fell and said current outages were caused by transmission and distribution problems.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday; 2,500 MW was purchased the previous week and 1,500 MW was purchased that day.
- Where
- At the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- Wind-power production dropped more than expected while electricity consumption remained high because temperatures continued to be elevated.
Government Account
Reported Outage Concerns
Cause of power cuts
Government Account
C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said electricity shortages had been addressed and that remaining cuts were caused by transmission and distribution failures.
Reported Outage Concerns
Reporters pointed to power outages lasting many hours in some places, raising concerns about the reliability of supply despite the government's procurement.
Power procurement
Government Account
The government said it was buying expensive electricity to protect consumers from disruptions and would use long-term agreements to reduce costs.
Reported Outage Concerns
The reported current purchase price of about Rs. 20 per unit indicates that maintaining supply is presently costly.
- Power purchased last week
- 2,500 MW
- Power purchased Tuesday
- 1,500 MW
- Current purchase price
- About Rs. 20 per unit
- Long-term agreements
- Expected to be signed from October
- Rooftop solar app
- The government plans to launch it within a week
- Monsoon preparation
- Recovery teams have been assigned for each area