Tamil Nadu Power Demand Hits Record 473.57 MU; TNPDCL Extends Additional Manpower Till August 31

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has extended the engagement of additional outsourced manpower until August 31 as the prolonged heatwave continues to drive electricity demand to record levels and increase the number of distribution faults across the State. The move is aimed at ensuring faster restoration of power supply and improving the reliability of the distribution network.

Tamil Nadu recorded yet another all-time high in daily electricity consumption on Thursday, reaching 473.572 million units (MU). This surpassed the previous record of 472.263 MU registered on Wednesday, reflecting sustained high power usage as temperatures remained significantly above normal across several districts.

The State`s peak power demand stood at 21,717 MW on Thursday, marginally below the all-time high of 21,724 MW recorded on Tuesday. Earlier this week, demand reached 21,520 MW on Wednesday after exceeding the previous record of 21,629 MW set on July 13. Before the recent surge, the highest recorded peak demand was 21,307 MW, logged on April 29, 2026.

Power sector officials attributed the continued increase in electricity demand to the weak Southwest Monsoon and El Niño-induced atmospheric subsidence, which has prolonged heatwave conditions across Tamil Nadu. They also noted that the widespread use of air conditioners throughout the day has significantly contributed to the record-breaking electricity consumption.

In response to the sustained rise in demand and the increased risk of supply disruptions, TNPDCL has extended the deployment of additional outsourced personnel for 46 days, from July 17 to August 31. The workers were initially engaged from June 2 to July 16 to manage power supply disruptions caused by high summer electricity demand. With the heatwave continuing and power consumption remaining exceptionally high, the utility has decided to continue the arrangement.

The heavy load on the distribution network has resulted in frequent transformer failures, feeder faults, and localized power outages, particularly in urban areas.

TNPDCL has identified 2,854 operation and maintenance sections across Tamil Nadu, where a total of 18,838 outsourced personnel will be deployed each day. The corporation has estimated an expenditure of ₹114.73 crore for the 46-day extension.

Under the revised deployment plan, 30 personnel will be stationed in 15 high-load sections in North Chennai, including Vyasarpadi, MKB Nagar, Perambur East, Villivakkam, ICF, and SIDCO Nagar.

All other operation and maintenance sections in the Chennai and Kancheepuram regions will receive 10 personnel each, while hill stations such as The Nilgiris, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, and Thalavady will be allotted eight personnel each. T The remaining sections across the State will have six personnel each.

TNPDCL has also retained the enhanced daily wage of ₹1,324 per worker to ensure the availability of skilled manpower for emergency restoration work. The corporation has instructed field engineers to engage personnel only through licensed contractors and maintain detailed records of deployment and restoration activities to ensure accountability and the timely rectification of power faults.