• Electricity Demand of 29,822 MW Successfully Met • Planned Measures Underway to Meet Rising Power Demand
• Long-Term Plans, Including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Nuclear Power Plants, to Ensure Reliable Power Supply and Grid Stability
Gandhinagar, 17 October 2026: A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Energy Minister Shri Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State Shri Kaushik Vekariya, along with senior officials of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and power companies, to review Gujarat’s rising electricity demand and power supply situation. The meeting discussed the reasons for the increase in demand, immediate measures to address it, and plans to meet future electricity needs.
Key Reasons for the Increase in Electricity Demand: – Impact of El Niño: Despite a weak monsoon this year, continued high temperatures have increased electricity consumption for cooling. – Higher Agricultural Demand: Adequate electricity is being supplied to farmers to irrigate standing crops, increasing agricultural demand to a daily peak of 12,000 MW. –
Festive Season: Industrial electricity demand has also risen due to Navratri and the upcoming Diwali festivities. –
Lower Hydropower and Wind Energy Generation: Low rainfall in Gujarat and neighbouring states has reduced hydropower generation, which usually peaks in October and November. Lower wind speeds have also reduced wind power generation. As a result, electricity demand in Gujarat during September and October has increased by approximately 12%, or around 4,000 MW, compared with previous years.
Electricity Demand of 29,822 MW: On October 16, 2026, Gujarat recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 29,822 MW, 36.6% higher than the 21,822 MW recorded in October last year. Daily electricity consumption also rose to 574 million units, compared with 457 million units in October last year, marking an increase of 27%. Of the total electricity supplied, approximately 30% was consumed in the PGVCL area, 22% in the DGVCL area, 22% in the UGVCL area, 10% in the MGVCL area and 16% in other DISCOM areas. Between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., solar power generation drops to zero after sunset, while wind power generation remains intermittent. During these hours, coal- and gas-based power plants supply electricity to meet demand. The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) and power distribution companies are working continuously to maintain grid frequency and balance.
Immediate Measures Taken to Increase Power Supply: – Coordination with the Central Government: High-level meetings were held in Delhi to ensure adequate coal supplies for GSECL. The Ministry of Coal has assured 10–11 railway rakes daily until November and 13–14 rakes daily from November onwards. Steps have also been taken to improve efficiency and optimise resources at state power stations. – Additional Power Procurement: Arrangements have been made to procure 379 MW from NTPC’s Farakka plant for November and 500 MW on a long-term basis from Assam’s share of central power generation, with supply expected to begin shortly. The state has also been allocated an additional 500 MW from the unallocated share of central power generation. – Short-Term Power Procurement: Arrangements have been made to procure 2,990 MW for October, 1,740 MW for November and 1,335 MW for December. – Maximum Use of Solar Energy During the Day: Plans are in place to maximise the use of around 12,000 MW of solar power generated in the state during daylight hours. Agricultural electricity consumption has also been scheduled during these hours to make better use of solar energy.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – A Long-Term Solution for Evening Peak Hours: BESS capacity is being expanded to store solar energy generated during the day and use it during evening peak hours. • A BESS capacity of 192 MW is currently operational. • Contracts have been finalised for a capacity of 2,742 MW / 5,517 MWh. • A capacity of 500 MW / 1,000 MWh is expected to become operational by March 2027. • A tender for 1,000 MW / 4,000 MWh is under process. Long-Term Planning for Future Power Requirements • More than 1,300 MW of power has been allocated to Gujarat from Central Generating Thermal Stations. Supply will begin in phases from 2027, with full availability expected from 2028–29. • More than 1,200 MW of power has been allocated to the state from Central Generating Hydropower Stations. Supply will begin in phases from November 2026, with availability expected from 2028–29. • The state government has requested an allocation of over 5,000 MW of electricity from Central Generating Thermal Stations to meet power demand in 2031–32. • GUVNL will soon issue a tender for 4,000 MW under the SHAKTI Scheme, with power expected to be available from 2030–31. • An MoU has been signed with 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 become operational by September 2029. • The process of acquiring land and obtaining in-principle approvals for new thermal power projects at Sinor, Wanakbori and Gandhinagar is underway.
Appeal to Citizens: Avoid Rumours and Use Electricity Wisely The state has adequate power supply to meet electricity demand. As the weather changes in the coming days, electricity demand is also expected to decline. In the public interest, citizens are urged to use electricity wisely and avoid wastage. Wherever possible, electricity-consuming activities should be scheduled during daylight hours when solar power is available. Citizens are also requested to avoid unnecessary electricity use during evening peak hours (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and contribute to energy conservation.
