The Uttar Pradesh government is bracing for another season of high power demand as summer temperatures rise sharply throughout the state, crossing 40 degrees Celsius in most districts already. Officials expect consumption to peak all the way till September, with June likely to see the highest load.
The energy department has planned for a supply of around 34,000 MW every month through this period to meet the demand. This is slightly above the projected peak requirement of over 33,000 MW this summer. The higher supply would be ensured with increased domestic generation through advance purchase agreements and short-term market sourcing.
The scale of the challenge has grown steadily over the years. Official data shows that annual power consumption in Uttar Pradesh has more than doubled over the past decade, rising from about 81,598 million units in 2013-14 to over 163,000 million units now. Peak demand has followed a similar trend in these 12 years, climbing from around 15,600 MW to over 31,000 MW last year. With several districts already battling heatwave conditions, the pressure on the system is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
Officials said maximising domestic generation is a priority this year. New thermal power units at Ghatampur, Khurja, Panki, Obra and Jawaharpur have been operationalised, adding to the state’s base capacity. Another unit at Ghatampur is expected to become operational soon, providing additional support during peak months.
“As in previous years, electricity demand will rise between April and September. Based on past trends, peak demand in June is expected to reach around 33,375 MW, which would be among the highest levels so far. In May and July, demand is likely to remain between 31,000 and 32,000 MW. Considering this rising demand, the department has made advance preparations by activating all sources of production and supply. A strategy has been finalised to ensure availability of around 34,000 MW,” said Pankaj Kumar, managing director, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL).
At the same time, the state has locked in a large share of its supply through long-term agreements. Around 80 per cent of the expected peak demand will be met through these pre-arranged agreements. The remaining requirement will be managed through power exchanges, wherein electricity can be bought on short notice depending on demand.
Another buffer comes from banking arrangements with other states. Uttar Pradesh has tied up for around 4,663 million units of electricity under this system. It allows the state to draw power when needed and return it later, helping manage short-term gaps without major disruptions. Officials say administrative monitoring has also been tightened. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed departments to ensure supply remains stable and outages are minimised during peak summer. Review meetings are being held regularly to track demand patterns and system performance.
On the ground, the efforts are focused on reducing technical losses and preventing breakdowns. Feeder-level monitoring has been increased and utilities have been asked to respond faster to local faults. There is also a push to strengthen transmission and distribution infrastructure, particularly in areas that see frequent outages during summer.
The government has said that supply should remain consistent across both urban and rural areas, a recurring concern during high-demand periods. At the same time, smart metering and digital monitoring systems are being expanded to improve real-time tracking of consumption and losses.
Even with these measures, the coming months will test the system. Demand is closely tied to weather conditions, and prolonged heatwaves can push consumption beyond projections. The state’s strategy this year relies on a mix of higher electricity generation, advance planning and market flexibility. How well it holds up will become clearer as temperatures peak.
Subscribe to India Today Magazine
– Ends
