El Nino Conditions Drive Up Power Demand In Nizamabad District
Work on 39 interlinking lines, covering 158.58 km, has been completed to facilitate transfer of loads between feeders during supply disruptions: Reports
NIZAMABAD: El Nino-related weather conditions – deficient rainfall and prolonged heat, have triggered a sharp rise in electricity demand in the Nizamabad circle of Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (TG NPDCL).
This has prompted the utility to step up measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Farmers are deploying agricultural pump sets while residents and offices are increasingly using air-conditioners and coolers. These have increased electricity consumption well beyond normal levels.
According to TG NPDCL data, electricity consumption in the circle has risen by 3.53 per cent in July and August 2026, compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The increase has surged to 53.83 per cent in September and 68.01 per cent from October 1 to October 12.
Peak power demand reached 767 MW in September. Average daily consumption in October has increased from 6.38 million units in 2025 to 11.25 million units this year.
The sudden increase in demand has placed distribution transformers under severe stress. High ambient temperatures, inadequate cooling, and simultaneous starting of agricultural pump sets are contributing to failures and excessive inrush currents, officials said.To tackle the situation, TG NPDCL has established round-the-clock control rooms at division, circle, and corporate office levels. Special officers have been deployed for field monitoring, while nodal officers are supervising the functioning of TG NPDCL and TG TRANSCO substations.
Mobile transformers have been kept ready at all district headquarters to expedite restoration of supply. Consumers can report transformer-related complaints through toll-free number 1912, which has been displayed on transformers and their plinths.
Between December 2023 and September 2026, TG NPDCL strengthened the distribution network by adding two 33/11 kV substations, 13 km of 33 kV lines, 269 km of 11 kV lines, 369 km of low-tension lines and 3,381 distribution transformers. Further, the utility has added 22 power transformers.
Of the 15 new 33/11 kV substations sanctioned, four have been commissioned, two are ready for charging, and work on the remaining nine is in progress.
Work on 39 interlinking lines, covering 158.58 km, has been completed to facilitate transfer of loads between feeders during supply disruptions.
The utility has installed 288 capacitor banks to improve power factor and reduce reactive power demand. Of these, 222 have been installed at substations and 66 on feeders.
As part of its 2027 summer action plan, TG NPDCL proposes to construct four substations, install 10 power transformers, add one 33 kV feeder and 24 new 11 kV feeders, install 468 distribution transformers, and provide 28 additional capacitor banks.