New Delhi is tapping into nuclear energy to support its soaring electricity needs this summer, with supply beginning from the Rawatbhata Atomic Power Station (RAPS) in Rajasthan.
Officials confirmed that the National Capital has started receiving nuclear power since April 15 this year, providing a much-needed buffer amid peak consumption levels. The allocation follows a formal request from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) last year, confirming Delhi’s 101.11 MW share from the Rawatbhata plant. In response, the DERC issued an order earlier this year distributing the allocation among the city’s key discoms. According to the DERC directive, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) was allocated 32.43 MW, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) received 44.71 MW, BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) was allotted 23.20 MW, and the Military Engineer Services (MES) received 0.77 MW. The distribution was based on actual energy consumption over the last five years. While Delhi’s total allocation stands at over 100 MW, sources say the current supply from RAPS stands at 25–30 MW, with only one unit commissioned for the capital. The RAPS units 7 and 8, both 700 MW indigenous reactors, are designed to meet regional and national power requirements through nuclear energy.
The tentative tariff for the supplied power has been communicated as ₹4.83 per unit, excluding additional charges like water usage, insurance, and applicable taxes. The DERC has instructed all discoms to finalise power purchase agreements with NPCIL to streamline future supply. Delhi’s electricity demand has surged significantly since the pandemic, with last year’s all-time high peaking at 8,656 MW on June 19. The ongoing heatwave has already pushed demand to 7,748 MW on May 21, the highest for this date since 2020. The city’s power demand is expected to surpass 9,000 MW this summer. To manage this rising load, Delhi’s discoms have expanded their energy portfolios. BRPL and BYPL together have secured 2,100 MW of green power through long-term purchase agreements. TPDDL is also relying on bilateral tie-ups, short-term procurement, and reserve shutdown strategies to bridge the gap during peak hours.
The integration of nuclear power is part of Delhi’s broader effort to diversify its energy mix and enhance grid stability while meeting clean energy commitments.
