Power demand shifts as rural set to exceed urban in state

Bhopal: Rural households in Madhya Pradesh are set to outpace urban consumers in electricity usage in 2026-27, with estimated consumption at 11,569 million units (MU) — about 1,238 MU higher than cities — according to the annual revenue requirement (ARR) petition filed by discoms before the state electricity regulatory commission.The projections indicate a shift in consumption trends, with rising use of electrical appliances and improved supply driving demand in villages. Urban domestic consumption is pegged at 10,331 MU for 2026-27, up from the revised estimate of 9,788 MU in 2025-26, while rural consumption is expected to increase from 11,092 MU to 11,569 MU. Overall domestic consumption in the state is projected to reach 21,900 MU.Discom officials noted that higher consumption slabs — above 100 units — are growing faster in rural areas, reflecting changing usage patterns. However, experts have raised concerns over the accuracy of projections due to the presence of unmetered connections in villages.Retired additional chief engineer of MP Genco, Rajendra Agarwal said, "Non-availability of meters in rural areas is among the reasons that have led to such projections. Discoms are already admitting that they are incurring around 28 percent transmission and distribution losses, and the energy lost, which remains unaccounted for as bills in rural areas are assumed bills in many cases, will further add to these losses".