Frequent outages, rising electricity demand, low coal stocks and declining hydel generation have raised concerns over Telangana’s ability to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the next season. Peak-hour demand reached 19,982 MW on September 30, compared with usual daily consumption of around 15,000 MW.

Farmers staged protests across the State during the Vanakalam season over inadequate supply, while domestic consumers reported repeated disruptions. Declining water levels in major reservoirs have affected hydel generation, adding pressure on thermal plants and power procurement. The State government has initiated contingency measures, but implementation will take time.

The State Cabinet has approved proposals for about 7,800 MW of additional capacity, including 3,000 MW of solar power, a 4,000-MW Battery Energy Storage System and 800 MW of wind power. These projects will be executed through bidding under Central government regulations. The new capacity, however, will not immediately address the current supply gap.

Power procurement has also become difficult as other States compete for available electricity. Despite prices of around Rs. 10 per unit, sufficient power is reportedly unavailable through the open market, short-term agreements and the Indian Energy Exchange. On September 28, Telangana consumed 330 mn units, with TGGENCO supplying 85 mn units and the remainder being purchased.

Coal availability remains a major concern. Against a minimum reserve requirement of 2.06 mn t, only about 0.56 mn t was available. Kothagudem requires 24,000 t a day, Kakatiya 4,500 t, Bhadradri 15,000 t and Yadadri 34,000 t. Plans to supply TGGENCO plants with 75,500 t daily include shipments from Odisha’s Naini coal block and Singareni mines. Technical problems have also affected 1,870 MW across three stations, while emergency purchases have reached 120 mn to 130 mn units a day.