Gujarat Seeks Additional 5,000 MW Power Allocation from Centre; CM Reviews Supply Situation

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has sought an additional allocation of more than 5,000 MW of electricity from the Centre to meet the state’s projected power demand by 2031-32, as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the electricity supply situation amid a sharp rise in consumption and a decline in hydro and wind power generation.

The state recorded its highest-ever peak electricity demand of 29,822 MW on October 16, 2026, a 36.6% increase from 21,822 MW in October last year. Daily electricity consumption also rose to 574 million units on the same day, up around 26% from 457 million units recorded in October 2025.

At a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence, Patel reviewed measures to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to farmers, industries and domestic consumers. He directed the Energy Department to accelerate efforts to manage the immediate demand and strengthen the state’s long-term power generation and storage capacity.

Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, Minister of State Kaushikbhai Vekariya, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das and senior officials attended the meeting.

According to the Energy Department’s presentation, electricity demand in September and October has increased by around 12%, or approximately 4,000 MW, compared with previous years.

The surge has been attributed to persistently high temperatures following a weak monsoon, increased demand for cooling, higher agricultural consumption and a pickup in industrial activity ahead of Diwali. Agricultural electricity demand has reached a daily peak of 12,000 MW, as the government ensures adequate power for irrigation to protect standing crops.

The state is also facing lower hydroelectricity generation due to deficient rainfall in Gujarat and neighbouring states, along with reduced wind power generation because of lower wind speeds.

Centre assures additional coal supplies

To address the immediate supply challenges, the state government has held high-level discussions with the Centre to secure adequate coal supplies and ensure the availability of railway rakes for Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL).

The Union Ministry of Coal has assured the state of 10 to 11 coal rakes daily until November, with the supply expected to increase to 13 to 14 rakes per day thereafter. The government has also initiated measures to improve coal utilisation at state power plants.

The state has secured 329 MW of electricity from NTPC’s Farakka plant for November and an additional 551 MW on a long-term basis from the Centre’s power generation quota for Assam.

The existing agreement for 716 MW of power from NTPC’s Barh-I and Dadri-I thermal power stations has also been extended by one year, until March 2028. Gujarat has separately requested an additional 500 MW from the Centre’s unallocated power generation quota.

During the evening peak period, from 5 pm to 11 pm, the state is relying on coal- and gas-based power plants to meet demand as solar generation falls to zero after sunset and wind power remains intermittent. The State Load Dispatch Centre and distribution companies are also working round the clock to maintain grid stability and balance electricity supply and demand.

Battery storage capacity to expand

The government is expanding battery energy storage systems (BESS) to store solar power generated during the day for use during evening peak hours.

The state currently has 192 MW of operational battery storage capacity, while agreements have been finalised for projects with a combined capacity of 2,742 MW and 5,517 MWh. Another 500 MW/1,000 MWh of capacity is expected to become operational by March 2027, while the tendering process is underway for a 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh project.

The Energy Department is also planning to maximise the use of Gujarat’s approximately 12,000 MW solar capacity by aligning agricultural electricity consumption with daylight hours.

Long-term power generation plans

As part of its long-term strategy, Gujarat has secured allocations of more than 1,300 MW from central thermal power stations and over 1,200 MW from central hydroelectric stations. These allocations are expected to become available in phases from 2028-29.

To meet future demand, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) will soon invite tenders for 4,000 MW of power under the SHAKTI scheme, with supplies expected from 2030-31.

The state has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the 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 generation in September 2029. Meanwhile, land acquisition and in-principle approval processes are underway for new thermal power projects at Sinor, Wanakbori and Gandhinagar.

The state has also secured allocations of over 2,500 MW from central thermal and hydroelectric stations for availability from 2028-29 onwards, with further capacity planned to meet rising demand over the coming decade. DeshGujarat