Gujarat’s Power Demand Surges by Over 3,200 MW in Four Days Amid Rainfall Deficit

Gujarat: Power demand in Gujarat has risen sharply amid a prolonged gap in rainfall, increasing by 3,259 MW in just four days. The state recorded a power demand of 28,220 MW on August 27, with consumption rising across the agriculture, residential, industrial and commercial sectors.

Around 92% of the Kharif crops in the state have already been sown. Against the state’s average sown area of 85.30 lakh hectares, crops have been planted across 78.55 lakh hectares so far.

With farmers waiting for rainfall, the demand for electricity to operate irrigation systems and provide timely water to crops has increased. Farmers are seeking a quality and uninterrupted power supply to prevent their Kharif crops from being affected if the dry spell continues.

The rise in power demand comes at a time when Gujarat has been experiencing a rainfall gap over the last few days. If the dry conditions continue, electricity demand could rise further, putting additional pressure on the state’s power supply system.

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) may have to purchase additional power from the open market to meet the rising demand in the coming days. According to estimates, if rainfall does not resume soon, the state’s power demand could reach around 29,500 MW.

The latest demand is also significantly higher than during the corresponding period last year. On August 27, 2025, Gujarat’s power demand stood at 18,052 MW. On August 27, 2026, it reached 28,220 MW, marking an increase of 10,168 MW in a year.

The state had recorded a historic power demand of around 29,000 MW on June 29. The latest surge indicates that power consumption could once again approach record levels if the current dry spell continues and irrigation demand rises further. DeshGujarat