With mercury rising, Tamil Nadu’s power demand is hitting new highs this summer. The state’s peak power demand hit an all-time high of 21,724 MW on 14 July and recorded an all-time high daily consumption of 473.572 million units on 16 July. Tamil Nadu has an installed conventional power capacity of 18,126 MW. This includes the state power utility’s own generation capacity of 5634 MW, share from central power generating stations, including nuclear power and other private sector sources. Despite meeting demand through existing and renewable energy sources, the state bridges the summer power shortage by purchasing through short-term power exchange contracts. As per state power utility’s own analysis, Tamil Nadu is expected to see a power deficit in the range of 2000 MW – 4000 MW from FY2026-27 to FY2030-31 period. One of the issues that has been haunting is the delay in planned thermal capacity additions. On the other hand, the distribution networks has to be strengthened to curb overloading. With a push towards renewable energy, how efficiently the state manages its power system will be the key.
