Power demand increases by 2,600 MW as industries resume operations in State

The power demand which plummeted to 10,000 MW last month has gone up to 12,600 MW with the opening of the industries and shops. The demand started going up gradually after the State government allowed industries to resume partial operations and opening of non-essential shops.

“Average power demand in the State stood at around 9,500 MW in April due to the closure of industries and commercial establishments. The peak power demand was around 10,000 MW. Since May 4, the power demand has been going up gradually with the industries and mills resuming operation. The peak demand has gone up to 12,600 MW. We expect the demand would go up further in the coming weeks,” said a senior Tangedco official.

The official said that when the industries start operation in full swing, the demand would again go up over 14,000 MW to 15,000 MW. “We have resumed generation in the North Chenani, Thoothukudi and Mettur thermal power units, which were kept under the reserve due to less demand for more than 40 days,” he said, adding that the wind power generation would also pick in the coming days.

An official of the State Load Despatch Centre said that since the lockdown, the pattern of power demand has remained more or less the same during the day time with little increase in the evening. “The power demand remains almost at around 12,000 MW for the last few days. Pre-lockdown, the power demand would go up during the morning and evening time,” the official noted.