Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Tamil Nadu Seeks 3,000 MW as October Power Demand Stays High
Tamil Nadu is using a lot of electricity because the weather has stayed hot.
The state needs more power in the evening, when people use a lot of electricity and solar power is no longer available.
Its power utility has asked suppliers to offer more electricity for October.
It is also seeking extra power after midnight.
Less wind power and fewer supplies from central power stations have made the shortage worse.
On Tuesday, demand nearly reached 20,000 megawatts.
The state hopes rain from the northeast monsoon will help lower demand.
If the monsoon is weak, Tamil Nadu may need to buy even more power in November.
TNPDCL issued an urgent tender for up to 3,000 MW during evening peak hours from October 12 to 31.
The utility will also seek up to 1,500 MW between midnight and 2 a.m. over the same period.
Peak demand reached 19,921 MW on Tuesday, with electricity consumption totaling 432.6 million units.
Officials cited prolonged hot weather, lower wind generation and reduced supplies from central generating stations.
Demand may ease if the northeast monsoon arrives by October 20; a weak monsoon could mean more purchases in November.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL), with the state’s Energy Resources Minister R. Nirmalkumar commenting on supply pressures.
- What
- TNPDCL issued tenders to procure up to 3,000 MW during evening peak hours and up to 1,500 MW from midnight to 2 a.m.
- When
- The purchases are for October 12–31; peak demand reached 19,921 MW on Tuesday.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, India; supplies are invited from private generators within and outside the state.
- Why
- Demand remains high amid prolonged hot weather, declining wind generation and lower supplies from central generating stations.
Reasons for urgent purchases
Potential for demand to ease
Power supply outlook
Reasons for urgent purchases
TNPDCL officials and Energy Resources Minister R. Nirmalkumar said prolonged heat, declining wind generation and reduced central-station supplies made additional purchases necessary.
Potential for demand to ease
The article says demand could ease if the northeast monsoon arrives by October 20; a weak monsoon, however, could require more purchases in November.
Timing of electricity availability
Reasons for urgent purchases
The shortage was concentrated in evening hours, prompting procurement for peak periods and overnight.
Potential for demand to ease
Strong solar generation left Tamil Nadu with surplus electricity during daytime hours.
- Evening procurement
- Up to 3,000 MW from 6 p.m. to midnight
- Overnight procurement
- Up to 1,500 MW from midnight to 2 a.m.
- Procurement period
- October 12–31
- Tuesday peak demand
- 19,921 MW
- Tuesday electricity consumption
- 432.6 million units
- Existing open-market procurement
- The minister said Tamil Nadu had already procured 4,500 MW from the open market.
- Potential demand relief
- Demand could ease if the northeast monsoon arrives by October 20.