Rising Night Heat Pushes Power Demand Up

Chennai: As several districts in Tamil Nadu continue to record higher-than-normal night temperatures, the state’s daily power consumption has started to rise sharply. On Tuesday, electricity usage crossed 400 million units (MU) for the first time this year, reaching 405.9 MU.

Officials say that this increase has come even before the peak summer season begins. The current period is considered a transition phase, when temperatures slowly begin to rise before full summer sets in. However, the warmer nights have already led to higher use of fans, air conditioners, and other cooling appliances in homes and offices.

Last year, the state’s power consumption crossed the 400 MU mark on March 7. This year, the rise in demand has come slightly earlier, indicating that temperatures may increase further in the coming weeks.

Energy department officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure there is no power shortage. They say the power supply is stable for now, and necessary steps are being taken to meet the growing demand as summer approaches.

Experts believe that if night temperatures continue to remain high, electricity consumption could increase further in the coming days. With summer yet to fully begin, authorities are preparing for even higher demand in April and May, when power usage usually peaks across the state.