Hyderabad: The rising temperatures have led to a sharp uptick in Telangana's power consumption, with 45% of it being recorded by Greater Hyderabad alone. According to official records of the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL), the state's current average demand stands at approximately 10,000 MW per day.
Of this, Greater Hyderabad's consumption is about 4,300 MW, the highest across all districts. This figure is expected to rise to 5,500 MW over the next few weeks, given predictions of a further increase in mercury levels.
Currently, Telangana's average temperature is hovering between 43 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees Celsius, with at least seven districts under a 'red alert'. Temperatures are likely to cross 46 degrees Celsius in the next few days. Greater Hyderabad too is expected to get hotter, with temperatures soaring from 42.5 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius soon, say weather experts.
Factors Behind Rising Power Demand
Apart from the summer heat, discom sources said that the LPG crisis, which has prompted an increase in the use of electric appliances, and the growing sale of electric vehicles are also contributing to this rise in power demand in the city.
Until now, the city recorded its highest power demand on April 17, when it consumed 4,683 MW of energy. The previous highest figure was 4,352 MW in May last year.
Consumption Hotspots
Within Greater Hyderabad, discom officials said, 25% of the power is supplied to the cyber city circle, which runs through the city's tech corridor covering Gachibowli, Kondapur, Madhapur, Kokapet, and other areas. This region is densely populated with IT towers, offices, and gated communities. The Rajendranagar and Medchal circles of TGSPDCL are also high power consumers, accounting for about 30% collectively, due to the presence of industries and growing residential ventures.
"With new colonies and communities coming up and the city expanding, like the Future City, Greater Hyderabad's consumption could touch 1,000 MW or more by next year itself," said a senior official from the energy department. He reiterated that along with increased use of air-conditioners, about 200 MW to 300 MW of power is now additionally being used for electrical appliances and EVs.
Preparedness for Load Handling
Amid the growing demand, N Narasimhulu, director (operations) of TGSPDCL, said the discom is prepared to handle a demand of even 5,500 MW in the city. "About 5,000 distribution transformers have been kept ready in case there is any overload on the existing transformers and they need immediate replacement," he said. Additionally, in Greater Hyderabad, 500 kVA capacity distribution transformers that were carrying more than 70% of the power load have been replaced with 1,000 MVA transformers. The 33/11 kv substations, especially within the city, have been equipped with 16 MVA high-capacity power transformers to meet power requirements even if there is a sudden rise in demand, he added.
However, the state's overall demand has dropped with the harvesting season drawing to a close. "During the Rabi season between December and March, the state recorded 11,300 MW of power demand in the southern discom. But after the season ended last month, the average demand has dipped to 9,000 MW to 10,000 MW," said another official.
