In the very first week of October, Uttar Pradesh created a new record in power consumption. Within 24 hours, the state recorded the consumption of 1,490 million units of electricity, the highest in the country. With this, UP has surpassed major electricity-consuming states like Haryana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Significant Increase in Power Demand
Normally, electricity demand rises during big festivals like Diwali, but this time the demand was much higher than expected. As a result, all power generation units in the state have been brought into operation, and efforts are being made to maintain optimal production from all units.
Last year, the maximum power demand recorded on Diwali was about 23,000 megawatts. This year, on the eve of Diwali, the demand reached nearly 21,000 megawatts, and on Monday, it remained between 17,000 to 18,000 megawatts.
Demand Expected to Stay Above 20,000 MW Until Chhath Festival
Despite a slight drop in temperatures, electricity demand has not declined. It is expected that demand will remain above 20,000 megawatts until the Chhath festival.
UP Tops the List of Power-Consuming States
According to data from NRLD (National Regional Load Dispatch Center), UP recorded the highest electricity consumption in the country:
- Uttar Pradesh: 1,490 million units
- Haryana: 1,390 million units
- Punjab: 880 million units
- Delhi: 830 million units
- Rajasthan: 560 million units
Full-Scale Production from Power Units in Sonbhadra
Considering the high demand during the festival, all power plants in Sonbhadra district are operating at full capacity:
- Rihand and Obra Hydropower Projects are generating at full capacity.
- Anpara A (1,630 MW): 1,364 MW production
- Anpara B (1,000 MW): 900 MW production
- Anpara D (1,000 MW): 931 MW production
- Obra C (1,320 MW): 1,200 MW production
- Obra B (1,000 MW): 522 MW production
- Lanco (Private sector, 1,200 MW): 722 MW production
- NTPC Rihand (3,000 MW): 2,978 MW production
- Singrauli Super Thermal Power (2,000 MW): 1,978 MW production
Heavy Load on Transmission Lines
Due to the sudden surge in electricity demand, transmission lines are also experiencing heavy load. During peak hours, many lines are supplying electricity beyond their rated capacity:
- Unnao Line (765 kV): 777 kV
- Lucknow Line: 792 kV
- Ballia Line: 778 kV
- Bareilly Line: 787 kV
- Meerut Line: 795 kV
- Rihand 400 kV lines: 401 and 405 kV
- Gorakhpur Line: 408 kV
- Bareilly Lines (two): 415 kV each
Helpline for Emergencies
In case of any technical issues or emergency power cuts, a helpline number 8960697062 has been issued for immediate assistance.
This situation highlights the need for increased power production and efficient transmission management during major festivals like Diwali. This time, UP has effectively risen to the challenge.
