Tamil Nadu is expected to witness a notable rise in electricity demand this year, with the state government estimating a peak requirement of 22,150 megawatts (MW)—a 6% increase from last year’s maximum load, according to Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji.
Presenting the policy note for the Electricity Department in the Assembly on Tuesday, the minister highlighted that Tamil Nadu’s all-time highest demand so far was 20,830 MW, recorded on May 2, 2024, and the maximum single-day power consumption touched 454.32 million units (MU) on April 30, 2024.
In Chennai, power usage also peaked significantly, with the city recording a maximum demand of 4,769 MW and a daily consumption of 101.755 MU on May 31, 2024.
TN to See 6% Power Demand Surge, Says Minister Senthil Balaji |
Focus on Efficiency and Infrastructure
Addressing concerns raised by opposition MLA Senthil Kumar (AIADMK), who accused the current government of frequent power cuts, Minister Senthil Balaji asserted that Tamil Nadu maintains a 99.97% power supply reliability rate, a benchmark few other Indian states can claim.
To further strengthen the power distribution network, the minister informed the House that 74,000 transformers have been replaced across the state. “Our government is committed to resolving power-related grievances and ensuring uninterrupted supply,” he said.
Sustainable Energy Goals for 2030
Tamil Nadu is also aligning its electricity development with global climate goals. The minister reiterated the state’s ambitious plan to meet 50% of its total energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, aiming for a 70% reduction in carbon emissions within the same timeframe.
With rich renewable energy potential, Tamil Nadu continues to be a frontrunner in green energy. It currently holds the third spot nationally in total renewable energy capacity and is second in wind energy generation.
Conclusion
As electricity demand rises across sectors—from residential consumption to industrial use—Tamil Nadu's forward-looking policies and infrastructure upgrades position the state as a model for power sector planning, reliability, and renewable integration in India.
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