Andhra Pradesh Sees Record 285 Million Units Power Consumption Due to El Niño

Andhra Pradesh witnessed its highest-ever electricity consumption for July, with daily energy demand soaring to 285 Million Units (MU) on July 15, attributed to persistently high temperatures caused by El Niño-induced weather patterns. Senior officials from the Energy Department disclosed this during a review meeting with Special Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand.

El Niño Drives Unprecedented Demand

Officials explained that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has disrupted weather patterns, leading to unusually high temperatures and a surge in electricity usage across all consumer categories. This spike underscores the strain on the state’s power infrastructure and the need for proactive measures to meet rising demand.

Preparations for August and September

In response, Mr. Vijayanand instructed power utilities to prepare for further increases in demand during August and September. He emphasized procuring additional power through exchanges and the Term-Ahead Market to ensure uninterrupted supply.

To maintain consistent power generation, the AP-Genco was directed to stock adequate coal reserves at thermal power stations. Coordination among key entities, including the AP State Load Dispatch Centre, AP-Genco, AP-Transco, AP Power Coordination Committee, and DISCOMs, was also stressed to monitor demand, resource availability, and transmission readiness.

Leadership in Attendance

The review meeting was attended by CMDs of DISCOMs Lotheti Siva Sankar, I. Pruthvi Tej, and P. Pulla Reddy, along with AP-Transco Director (Grid) A.K.V. Bhaskar and other senior officials.

This development highlights the critical need for robust planning and resource management as Andhra Pradesh navigates the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

Source: The Hindu