Madhya Pradesh will source additional electricity from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to maintain uninterrupted supply in rural areas as demand outpaces generation. The state recorded peak demand of 17,313 MW on Thursday, compared with 11,874 MW during the corresponding period last year, an increase of more than 5,000 MW.

Agricultural demand rose to 3,700 MW from 1,752 MW a year earlier, driven by irrigation requirements before the Rabi season. Demand, which officials had expected to rise in November, increased earlier because of deficient rainfall, reduced hydel generation, coal shortages and technical problems at thermal power plants.

Generation on October 15 stood at 7,536 MW, including 3,642 MW from thermal plants, 2,091 MW from hydel projects and 1,803 MW from renewable sources. The widening gap has affected paddy irrigation, while officials expect demand to rise further as wheat sowing begins.

Several districts in the Nimar and Malwa regions have witnessed protests over frequent power cuts. Residents have taken to the streets in Khargone, Khandwa, Barwani, Rajgarh and Shivpuri, while Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Gajendra Patel and Dnyaneshwar Patil have written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Ministers also raised the issue at the latest cabinet meeting.

Energy Minister Pradhuman Singh Tomar said technical glitches had affected generation and that efforts were under way to restart non-operational units. He said supply on October 14 was 38.6 per cent higher than on the same date last year, rising from 242.3 mn units to 331 mn units.

The state is sourcing 500 MW from Uttar Pradesh during peak hours and is seeking further supplies through major power exchanges, including those linked to Punjab. Officials expect an additional 3,000 to 4,000 MW to become available from next week, which they believe will ease the immediate shortage.