Chennai: Electricity demand in the rain-drenched city has reduced by nearly 1,300 megawatts (MW) in June compared to May, with night temperatures hovering around 28°C. However, Tangedco officials say city’s power demand may set new records in the coming weeks as weathermen have forecast a dry season for Chennai.
On Friday, Chennai’s peak power demand was 3,486 MW, and consumption was 79.16 million units (mu).This is 1,300 MW less than the all-time high demand of 4,769 MW the city recorded on May 31. Power consumption on the same day was 101.76 mu, nearly 22 mu more than Friday.
Tangedco officials say Chennai’s power demand decreased over the last few days as consumers were reduced their air conditioner usage. On June 4, when the city recorded maximum temperature of 37°C and minimum of 27°C,the maximum power demand was 4,042 MW, and consumption was 91.4 mu. Two days later, on June 6, when temperatures dropped to a maximum of 35°C and a min of 24°C and it rained, peak demand came down to 3,449 MW, and consumption was 78 mu.
State’s power demand on Friday was 338.28 mu, about 114 mu less than all-time high consumption recorded on April 30.
If weathermen’s forecast about dry weather turns out to be true, power demand will increase in the coming weeks, Tangedco officials said. “Weather forecast for Chennai has been dry in the coming days, and use of air conditioners will go up again, impacting the power grid,” said a Tangedco official.
This, officials say, is nothing new. Chennai’s power demand always peaks in June, and Tangedco officials are prepared to tackle the demand as the overall power demand in the state will not be so high. “We will have wind generation from this week onwards, so it would be manageable,” said the official.On Friday, wind power generation was 29.13 mu, but it is expected to increase from Saturday, as official wind season begins, added the official.
