Chennai: Minister for energy resources and law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar has unveiled an ambitious power sector roadmap aimed at ensuring reliable electricity supply, accelerating the shift towards renewable energy and modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure, with the state targeting a 50 per cent renewable energy share by 2031.

The energy department’s 2026-27 policy note said Tamil Nadu had an installed power capacity of about 46,846 MW as on July 1, 2026, of which 28,348 MW was from renewable sources, including hydro, wind, solar, biomass and co-generation, while conventional sources accounted for 18,498 MW.

The policy places consumer welfare, clean energy, electric mobility and grid modernisation at the centre of the state’s Vision 2031. The government has also proposed strengthening generation, transmission and distribution systems to meet rising demand from industries, agriculture and the growing electrification of transport.

Among the most significant measures is the revised free electricity scheme for domestic consumers. From May 10, 2026, households consuming up to 500 units every two months are entitled to free electricity up to 200 units, benefiting about 2.23 crore domestic consumers. Consumers exceeding 500 units will continue to receive 100 free units every two months, with the expenditure met through government tariff subsidy to TNPDCL.

The state has also set a target of establishing 20,000 EV charging stations by 2031, particularly along corridors connecting major cities. As of April 2026, Tamil Nadu had 5.50 lakh registered electric vehicles and 2,425 charging stations. Feasibility studies have been undertaken at 528 locations under the PM e-Drive scheme.

The policy proposes a 50 per cent capital subsidy, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000, for installing EV charging facilities in apartment complexes. A dedicated ‘TN EV’ application has also been developed to help users discover charging points and make payments.

Tamil Nadu plans to increase renewable energy capacity through utility-scale solar and wind projects, battery energy storage systems, feeder solarisation and other initiatives. The state will also promote renewable energy projects in the southern districts with high potential through policy incentives and a dedicated project management unit.

Rooftop solar is another major focus. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, TNGECL has initiated a programme to utilise vacant rooftops of government buildings under the Resco model. A tender has been floated for 20 MW of grid-connected, rooftop solar projects covering Chennai, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts.

The state is simultaneously strengthening hydro power. TNGECL operates 47 hydro power stations with a combined capacity of 2,325.90 MW. For 2026-27, the hydro generation target has been fixed at 4,776 million units, with an aim to maintain average station availability above 80 per cent. Renovation works at Moyar and Kodayar are expected to add 12 MW to the grid.

The policy also highlights measures to improve consumer services, including daily public disclosure of power outages, 125 fuse-off call vehicles, 77 additional fuse-off call centres, seven additional breakdown service teams and a proposed WhatsApp chatbot for complaint registration and tracking.

The policy note envisages a power system that combines conventional generation for grid stability with rapidly expanding renewable capacity, storage, technologies and modernised distribution infrastructure. The overall thrust is to make electricity supply more reliable and consumer-centric while positioning Tamil Nadu for a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

12 key takeaways

· 46,846 MW — Tamil Nadu’s total installed power capacity as of July 1, 2026.

· 28,348 MW — installed renewable energy capacity.

· 50% renewable energy — target for the state’s power mix by 2031.

· 2.23 crore households — beneficiaries of the revised free electricity scheme.

· 200 units free — bi-monthly electricity for eligible households consuming up to 500 units.

· 20,000 EV chargers — proposed statewide network by 2031.

 5.50 lakh EVs — registered in Tamil Nadu as of April 2026.

· 528 locations — studied for EV charging infrastructure under PM e-Drive.

· 20 MW rooftop solar — planned on government buildings in four districts.

· 2,325.90 MW — capacity of 47 hydro power stations.

· 4,776 MU — hydro generation target for 2026-27.

· 183 MW — planned capacity from 12 bagasse-based co-generation plants, of which seven plants totalling 108 MW have already been commissioned.

Tags: