The scorching heat in Chennai once again pushed the ever-rising power demand to a new high of 11,283 megawatts (MW) on June 26. The previous highest power demand in the city was recorded on June 6 when it soared to 11,078 MW.
“Tamil Nadu met an all time high demand of 11,283 MW at 6.30 pm on June 26 with wind generation of 3,830 MW. No load shedding was imposed throughout the state at that time,” an official statement said.
On June 20, an all-time high peak power consumption of 243.88 million units was achieved, bettering the previous highest power consumption recorded on June 29 last year when it touched 238 million units.
The state planning commission’s draft approach paper for the 12th five year plan (2012-17) for TN projects demand for power would grow by about 7 per cent in this period. “In such a case, at the end of the 12th plan, power consumption is likely to be 1.15 lakh million unit,” the paper said.
The state’s per capita consumption has reached India’s target of 1,000 units by 2012 in 2007-08 itself, which is more than the national growth of 635 units. Per capita consumption has increased from 410 units in 1995-96 to 1,040 units now.
A senior Tangedco official attributed the high power demand to the heat and increased agricultural activities. “Normally, power demand remains high from March to June. Agricultural activities also begin in June,” said the official.