Telangana’s power demand hits record 16,506 MW amid rising temperatures

Telangana recorded an all-time high power demand of 16,506 MW on February 25, 2025, driven by rising temperatures and increased agricultural activity, prompting government measures to ensure stability.

HYDERABAD: Telangana has recorded an unprecedented peak power demand of 16,506 megawatts (MW) as of February 25, 2025, surpassing previous records. This surge is primarily attributed to escalating temperatures and heightened agricultural activities across the state.

The rising heat has significantly increased the use of cooling appliances such as fans, air conditioners, and coolers in both residential and commercial establishments. This has led to a substantial rise in electricity consumption, causing average household electricity bills to escalate from approximately ₹500 to between ₹700 and ₹1,000 in many areas.

In the agricultural sector, expanded cultivation areas have further intensified power demand due to a greater reliance on electric irrigation systems. Some districts have already begun experiencing power outages, leading to farmer protests at local substations. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to swiftly address power disruptions. He has also urged citizens to report issues directly to senior authorities or contact him personally if necessary.

To manage the increased load and prevent service interruptions, senior officials from the Transmission Corporation of Telangana (TRANSCO) have implemented various measures to ensure a stable power supply. This includes establishing an Electricity Command Control Centre at the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) headquarters in Khairatabad. A similar monitoring facility is being set up at the Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSNPDCL) headquarters in Hanamkonda to address feeder tripping and overload issues in real time.

Officials anticipate that the power demand could reach 17,000 MW by March 2025 and may rise further to between 17,000 and 18,000 MW during peak summer months. In January 2025, the state’s power demand stood at 10,000 MW, with Hyderabad alone accounting for over 5,000 MW. The current trend indicates a sharp increase in electricity consumption as the summer progresses.

The state government has assured the public of an uninterrupted power supply and is taking proactive steps to enhance infrastructure. Efforts are underway to improve coordination among departments and address the growing energy requirements efficiently.