Hyderabad: Driven by expansion in industry, IT and agriculture, Telangana’s average power consumption has risen by 70 per cent compared to the national average, with peak load frequently exceeding official projections.
According to data submitted to the state Assembly in its recent Budget Session, Telangana reported per capita power consumption of 2,508 units in 2023-24, around 70 per cent higher than the national average. At the national level, consumption stood at 1,538 units (kilowatt-hours) in 2024-25.
Updated audit data for the state is not yet available, but officials indicated it remains significantly above the national average.
The state’s contracted power capacity for 2025-26 stands at 23,208 MW, up from 20,844 MW in 2024-25 and 20,191 MW in the previous year. This marks a more than threefold increase from 7,778 MW at the time of the state’s formation in 2014. The grid recorded a peak demand of 18,228 MW on March 13 this year, with consumption touching 34,108 million units on the same day.
Transmission availability of TG Transco has remained at 99.98 per cent over the past nine years, indicating minimal downtime and stable power flow. National transmission availability has also remained above 99 per cent over the past three financial years.
TG Transco’s credit rating has improved to ‘A-’ (low credit risk) from ‘BB+’ (substantial credit risk), reflecting an improved financial position and enabling a reduction of 0.25 per cent in borrowing costs.
Transmission losses have declined to 2.19 per cent in 2024-25, from 2.43 per cent in 2023-24 and 2.52 per cent in 2022-23. Officials attributed the reduction to investments in the extra high tension network, including new 400 kV and 220 kV substations, and the installation of capacitor banks to improve voltage stability and reduce technical losses.
Revert to net consumption billing for rooftop solar users, TGERC tells Discoms
In a major relief for rooftop solar consumers, the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TGERC) has directed all Telangana Distribution Companies (Discoms) to immediately revert to the earlier billing practice of calculating tariff slabs based on net consumption — import minus export — for net metered solar rooftop users.
The order aims to boost rooftop solar adoption across the state and ensure fairness in electricity billing. Previously, a change in methodology had led to higher bills for solar users, prompting complaints from consumers and green energy advocates.
TGERC has further mandated the southern and northern discoms to adjust excess amounts already collected from these consumers due to the flawed billing method. Refunds or credits must be applied against the next three billing cycles, the agency said in its order.
This directive comes amid Telangana's push for renewable energy, with rooftop solar installations growing rapidly in urban and rural areas. The consumer groups welcomed the move, noting it removes financial disincentives that had slowed adoption rates.
Discoms have been instructed to implement the changes promptly and report compliance to TGERC. Official sources indicate the order addresses long-standing grievances raised in public hearings.
