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El Niño Could Add Rs 2,000 Crore to Telangana Power Costs
Telangana is using more electricity than officials expected.
Dry weather has increased the need for power on farms, and hot weather has also raised household use.
On September 30, demand reached 19,892 megawatts.
That was about 4,000 megawatts more than the state had expected for that time.
Officials think demand could rise to 20,000 megawatts from January 2027 as farmers grow crops in the Rabi season.
The state may have to spend at least Rs 2,000 crore more on electricity this financial year.
Some households also receive up to 200 free electricity units each month through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme.
To help meet demand, the government plans to run its thermal power stations at full capacity and arrange coal supplies.
Telangana officials estimate El Niño-related power demand could add at least Rs 2,000 crore to state costs in 2026–27.
Peak power demand reached 19,892 MW on September 30, around 4,000 MW above the expected level.
Officials attribute the increased demand mainly to agriculture and household consumption amid deficit rainfall and hot weather.
Energy demand could reach 20,000 MW from January 2027 as farmers require more power during the Rabi season.
The government plans to run thermal power stations at their full installed capacity of 7,500 MW and streamline coal supplies before Rabi.
- Who
- The Telangana government and its Energy Department; State Special Chief Secretary Navin Mittal discussed the demand.
- What
- The state expects higher electricity demand to create at least Rs 2,000 crore in additional costs during 2026–27.
- Where
- Telangana, India.
- When
- The demand increase was reported over the preceding three months; peak demand reached 19,892 MW on September 30, with further growth expected from January 2027.
- Why
- Officials cite increased agricultural and household electricity use amid deficit rainfall and hot weather, including subsidised and free-power supply.
Key facts
- Estimated additional cost
- At least Rs 2,000 crore in financial year 2026–27
- Peak demand
- 19,892 MW on September 30
- Expected September peak
- About 15,000 MW, according to Navin Mittal
- Potential Rabi demand
- Up to 20,000 MW from January 2027
- Thermal power capacity
- 7,500 MW installed capacity; the government plans to generate at full capacity
- Gruha Lakshmi electricity benefit
- Eligible beneficiaries receive 200 units of free power each month
- Coal supply preparation
- Officials say supplies to thermal stations will be streamlined before the Rabi season in November
Quotes
Navin Mittal
Telangana State Special Chief Secretary
“We expected around 15,000 MW of power demand during the peak hours in September. It was 4,000 MW of power more than expected levels”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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