Madhya Pradesh is facing an electricity shortage of 800 MW, resulting in short, unscheduled power cuts, particularly in rural areas. The state energy department is examining additional generation and electricity purchases to bridge the supply gap and manage demand.

Senior officials of the Power Management Company are holding meetings to address the situation and maintain adequate supply. An energy department official said the department was in contact with power generators, while all operational thermal power stations were being used to maximise generation.

Electricity availability on the national power exchange has also been limited. On Monday, buyers placed bids for 70,000 MW across the country, but sellers offered only 700 MW, pointing to a broader shortage in the power market.

Energy Minister Pradhyuman Singh Tomar said coal-based generation typically declines by 1 to 2 per cent during the monsoon. He said officials had been instructed to maximise coal-based output and restart power plants undergoing maintenance at the earliest.

Tomar said the state had adequate coal stocks and that operational hydropower plants were also being used to meet demand. The government remained committed to supplying farmers with 10 hours of electricity and providing uninterrupted power to domestic consumers. He added that electricity would be purchased in the public interest if the supply situation required it.