Gujarat’s peak power demand surges by 2,400 MW in 24 hours

Vadodara: Gujarat’s electricity demand has risen sharply amid increased irrigation requirements for Kharif crops, with the state’s peak demand reaching 25,255 MW on September 28, up from 22,853 MW a day earlier.

With electricity demand expected to rise further across the agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors during the upcoming Navratri festival, it is learnt that the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) is working on power management strategies to meet the anticipated increase in consumption.

The state has also started purchasing additional electricity from the power exchange. Gujarat purchased 299 MW of electricity on September 28 at Rs 10 per unit, while 126 MW had been purchased by the evening of September 29, also at Rs 10 per unit.

The increase in demand comes as farmers require additional power for irrigation amid insufficient rainfall this year.

According to Agriculture Department data as of September 28, Kharif sowing in Gujarat has reached 97.47% of the state’s average sowing area. Against the average Kharif sowing area of 85.30 lakh hectares, crops have been sown across 83.15 lakh hectares so far.

However, sowing remains below last year’s level. During the corresponding period last year, Kharif crops had been sown across 84.19 lakh hectares, which means the current acreage is 1.04 lakh hectares lower.

With the crop season entering a crucial phase, the administration is preparing to meet additional irrigation-related power requirements. As per reports, more electricity could be purchased from the open market if necessary to ensure adequate supply for Kharif crops. DeshGujarat