Government's comprehensive planning to maintain uninterrupted supply against increasing electricity demand in the state

A high-level meeting was held at the residence of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel to conduct a comprehensive review of the continuously increasing electricity demand and supply situation in the energy sector of the state. Energy Minister Shri Rishikesh Patel, Minister of State Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya, and Chief Secretary Shri Manojkumar Das, along with senior officials, were present at this meeting. Detailed discussions took place regarding the immediate steps taken by the government and future planning to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for farmers, industries, and general citizens.

According to the details presented in the meeting, on 16.10.2026, the state recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 29,822 MW, which is 36.6% higher compared to 21,822 MW in October of last year. On the same day, daily electricity consumption was 574 million units, which is 27% more than the 457 million units of last October. Out of the total electricity consumption in the state, 30% was recorded in PGVCL, 22% in DGVCL, 22% in UGVCL, 10% in MGVCL, and 16% in other discoms. Due to a poor monsoon, high temperatures, and industrial demand from agriculture and festivals, electricity demand increased by approximately 12% (4,000 MW) in September and October. The agricultural load also increased to a daily maximum of 12,000 MW.

As solar production remains zero between 5 PM and 11 PM, supply is being maintained from coal and gas-based plants. For coal supply, the Central Ministry has assured 10 to 11 rakes daily until November and 13 to 14 rakes thereafter. Additionally, 329 MW from NTPC's Farakka plant and 551 MW from Assam's share have been made available from the Central Government, and the contracts for 716 MW of Badarpur-I and Dadri-I have been extended until March 2028.

Regarding future planning, the Additional Chief Secretary of Energy stated that 192 MW is currently operational under the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for peak hours, and contracts for 2,742 MW have been completed. From 2028-29, 1300+ MW will be available from central thermal and 1200+ MW from hydro. Tenders for 4,000 MW under the SHAKTI scheme will be issued soon, and MoUs have been signed with NPCIL for a 4,200 MW nuclear project. An 800 MW thermal plant is under construction at Ukai, and processes for new projects in Sinar, Wanakbori, and Gandhinagar are underway. The Chief Minister directed to further accelerate this work.