Delayed monsoon spikes power demand in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: The delayed monsoon and a prolonged dry spell has shot up the electricity demand, which has touched a new peak, in Gujarat.
The power demand touched an all-time high of 14,556 MW on Monday. It was on October 11, 2014 when the demand had surged to 14,556 MW.
Sources in the state-run Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) believe that if the state remains rain less for the next 10-15 days, the peak power demand may well cross 15,000 MW.
Officials of the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), the nodal agency to track real-time power generation and distribution, the demand from the industrial sector has remained the samebut there has been a significant increase in power for farming.
"The main reason for power demand peaking is the additional two hours of electricity being supplied to farmers for irrigation," said an SLDC officer.
Electricity consumption in households has also shot up because of delayed rains. "Power demand has gone up in homes, offices and commercial establishments where use of fans and air conditioners has increased significantly," he said. Usually in July, the domestic consumption decreases due to rains.
State energy minister Saurabh Patel said, "With additional two hours of power for farming, we would be supplying seven crore units per day to farm sector against five crore units per day. This will benefit over 12 lakh farmers across the state."
Currently, the installed capacity in the state (including conventional and renewable power) is 26,544 MW.