Gujarat recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 29,822 MW on October 16, a 36.6 per cent increase over the 21,822 MW recorded in October last year, prompting the state government to step up coal supplies, expand battery storage and seek additional power allocations from the Centre, news agency IANS reported.

Daily consumption also hit a record 574 million units, against 457 million units in October last year — an increase of around 27 per cent. According to the state Energy and Petrochemicals Department, demand in September and October is up by about 12 per cent, or roughly 4,000 MW, compared with previous years.

Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State Kaushik Vekariya reviewed the situation with senior officials and power companies in Gandhinagar. The government said power supplies were adequate to meet current demand and that it expected consumption to decline as weather conditions change in the coming days.

Gujarat has been allocated an additional 500 MW from the unallocated share of central power generation. Short-term procurement arrangements have been made for 2,990 MW in October, 1,740 MW in November and 1,335 MW in December. The government also plans to maximise the use of around 12,000 MW of solar power generated during daylight hours, with agricultural electricity consumption scheduled during these hours.

Battery energy storage systems are being expanded to store solar power generated during the day for use during evening peak hours. A capacity of 192 MW is currently operational, while contracts have been finalised for 2,742 MW, equivalent to 5,517 MWh of storage. A further 500 MW/1,000 MWh facility is expected to become operational by March 2027, and a tender for 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh is under process.

For longer-term requirements, more than 1,300 MW has been allocated to Gujarat from central thermal generating stations, with supply scheduled in phases from 2027 and full availability expected in 2028–29. Another allocation of more than 1,200 MW from central hydropower stations is expected to begin in phases from November 2026. The state government has also sought an allocation of more than 5,000 MW from central thermal generating stations to meet projected demand in 2031–32, and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) will soon issue a tender for 4,000 MW under the SHAKTI scheme, with power expected from 2030–31.

An agreement has been signed with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for a 4,200 MW nuclear power project, with the first unit expected to become operational in 2032. An 800 MW thermal power plant is under construction at Ukai and is expected to be commissioned by September 2029, while land acquisition and in-principle approvals for new thermal projects at Sinor, Wanakbori and Gandhinagar are under way.

Separately, Gujarat Samachar reported that wind-power generation in the state had fallen sharply and coal stocks had declined, putting supply under pressure during the demand surge.

The state government urged citizens to avoid rumours and electricity wastage, shift electricity-intensive activities to daylight hours wherever possible, and limit unnecessary consumption during the evening peak between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Sources: IANS, Gujarat Samachar.