El Nino pushes power demand to 16,500 MW during monsoon

Telangana's electricity demand has risen to 16,500 MW, close to peak summer levels, due to El Nino and increased borewell usage. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the State maintained uninterrupted supply and launched an electric ambulance service for power restoration

Hanamkonda: Telangana’s electricity demand has surged to 16,500 MW, nearly matching peak summer consumption, due to the impact of El Nino and increased use of borewells. The average power demand during the rainy season is around 11,000 MW. Further, the power system absorbed an additional 7,000 MW load despite the stoppage of around 2,000 MW of hydel generation caused by poor water availability.

Reviewing the power supply status at the Telangana State Northern Power Distribution Company (TGNPDCL) headquarters in Hanamkonda on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka attributed the increased power consumption to the extensive use of borewells by farmers and the operation of major lift irrigation schemes, including the Devadula and Sitarama projects under TGNPDCL limits.

---

He said there were no power cuts in the State. He clarified that temporary interruptions caused by rain, storms or falling trees should not be mistaken for power cuts. He said the government would restructure high-interest loans to reduce the debt burden of power distribution companies.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced that the government had launched the country’s first electric ambulance service for emergency power restoration. Consumers can call the toll-free 1912 helpline, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) will automatically route complaints to field teams for a quick response.