Chhattisgarh Sets New Power Consumption Record Amid Soaring Heat, Demand Crosses 6,800 MW in April

Raipur, April 25 As temperatures continue to rise across Chhattisgarh, the state has reported a record-breaking electricity demand, surpassing 6,800 megawatts (MW) in April alone, according to real-time data from the state’s Load Dispatch System. This marks the highest peak power requirement the state has ever recorded during this period.

Electricity Consumption Surges Amid Agricultural and Industrial Demand

Bhim Singh Kanwar, Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), confirmed that electricity usage this month touched 6,800 MW, a significant jump from 6,300 MW recorded during the same time last year.

Experts, including former Chief Engineer and Regulatory Board Secretary P.N. Singh, attribute this spike to rapid industrialisation and the unseasonal sowing of paddy crops during the Rabi season. Farmers across multiple districts have planted paddy crops earlier than usual, and electric pump-based irrigation is placing added pressure on the power grid.

Projected Power Needs: A Growing Challenge

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates that by 2026–27, Chhattisgarh will require 7,661 MW of electricity per day to meet rising residential, agricultural, and industrial demands. For context, in 2016–17, the state’s electricity demand stood at 3,875 MW, which increased to 5,019 MW by 2021–22 — a rise of 1,144 MW over five years.

To ensure uninterrupted power supply, the distribution company has maintained long-term power purchase agreements with multiple energy producers. Key suppliers in the state include Jindal Power, Sarda Energy, NTPC, and Adani Power, contributing to both conventional and renewable energy segments.

Future Power Projects to Boost Capacity

During the Chhattisgarh Energy Investors Summit held in March, several major firms pledged investments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore. These funds will facilitate the launch of new energy infrastructure projects in nuclear, thermal, solar, and pumped storage sectors. The state government anticipates that this expansion will not only enhance electricity generation capacity but also provide affordable and reliable power to households and industries alike.