Gujarat Govt Assures Adequate Electricity Supply; Secures Additional Power and Coal

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Saturday assured consumers of an adequate electricity supply and announced measures to secure additional power and coal to meet rising demand. The move follows the state recording its highest-ever electricity demand of 29,822 MW on October 16, 2026, prompting a review of power availability, supply arrangements and long-term generation capacity.

Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Energy Kaushikbhai Vekariya chaired a review meeting on Saturday with senior officials of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and representatives of power utilities to assess the surge in demand and ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.

The state’s daily electricity consumption reached 574 million units on October 16, up 27% from 457 million units recorded in October last year. Peak demand was 36.6% higher than the 21,822 MW recorded in October 2025. According to the government, electricity demand during September and October has risen by around 12%, or approximately 4,000 MW, compared with previous years.

The government attributed the increase to persistently high temperatures, rising agricultural consumption, increased industrial activity ahead of Diwali and lower generation from hydroelectric and wind power sources. Weak monsoon conditions and high temperatures have increased the use of air conditioners and other cooling systems. Agricultural power demand has also reached a daily peak of 12,000 MW as farmers receive electricity for irrigating standing crops.

Industrial demand has risen ahead of Diwali, while low rainfall and reduced wind speeds have affected hydroelectric and wind power generation.

Additional Power Procurement and Coal Supply Measures

To meet the increased demand, the state government has coordinated with the Centre to secure additional coal supplies for Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL). Following high-level meetings in Delhi, the Coal Ministry assured Gujarat of 10 to 11 railway rakes of coal daily until November, increasing to 13 to 14 rakes a day from November, the government said.

The state is also working to optimise coal consumption and improve the utilisation of available resources at its power plants.

Additional power arrangements include 379 MW from NTPC’s Farakka plant for November and 500 MW from the Centre’s power allocation for Assam on a long-term basis. The government has also approved the allocation of another 500 MW from the Centre’s unallocated power pool for Gujarat.

Short-term power procurement arrangements have been made for 2,990 MW in October, 1,740 MW in November and 1,335 MW in December.

The government is also maximising the use of around 12,000 MW of solar power generated in the state during daylight hours. Agricultural electricity consumption is being scheduled during solar generation hours to make better use of renewable energy.

Evening Peak Demand Remains a Key Challenge

According to the official statement, the period between 5 pm and 11 pm remains particularly challenging as solar power generation drops to zero after sunset, while wind power output remains variable. Coal- and gas-based power plants are being used to meet demand during these hours.

The State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) and electricity distribution companies are continuously monitoring grid frequency and balancing supply and demand to maintain grid stability.

The government is also expanding battery energy storage capacity to store surplus solar power generated during the day and use it during evening peak hours.

Currently, 192 MW of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity is operational in the state. Contracts have been awarded for 2,742 MW of capacity, equivalent to 5,517 megawatt-hours (MWh). Of this, 500 MW/1,000 MWh is expected to become operational by March 2027. A further 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh project is in the tendering stage.

Long-Term Power Generation Plans

The state government has outlined several measures to strengthen Gujarat’s electricity supply over the coming years.

More than 1,300 MW of power from central thermal generating stations has been allocated to Gujarat, with supply scheduled to begin in phases from 2027 and continue into 2028-29. More than 1,200 MW from central hydropower stations has also been allocated, with supply expected to begin in phases from November 2026 and continue into 2028-29.

The state has requested an allocation of more than 5,000 MW from central thermal generating stations to meet its projected electricity requirements in 2031-32. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) will also issue a tender for 4,000 MW under the SHAKTI scheme, with power expected to become available from 2030-31.

In the nuclear energy sector, an agreement has been signed with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for a 4,200 MW nuclear power project. The first unit is expected to become operational in 2032.

An 800 MW thermal power plant is under construction at Ukai and is scheduled to begin operations in September 2029. The government is also pursuing land acquisition and in-principle approvals for new thermal power projects at Sinor, Wanakbori and Gandhinagar.

Government Appeals for Judicious Power Use

The state government said adequate arrangements were in place to meet electricity demand and expressed confidence that demand would decline as weather conditions change.

It appealed to citizens not to pay heed to rumours and to use electricity judiciously. Consumers have been urged to shift electricity-intensive activities to daylight hours wherever possible and avoid unnecessary consumption between 5 pm and 11 pm to help ease pressure on the grid. DeshGujarat