Maharashtra: Power consumption hits record high on rising heat

PUNE: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited met the record power demand of 21,570 MW on Wednesday, with rising temperature and increased consumption in the agriculture sector being the primary triggers.
A statement issued by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) stated that the previous highest demand for electricity was recorded in the state on October 23, 2018, when the company had supplied 20,745 MW power. The demand recorded on Wednesday was 3,320 MW or 18% more than the maximum demand recorded in February last year, the statement said.

It said the merit order dispatch mandated that last preference should be given to buying costly power. “The distribution company did not opt for around 2,350 MW costly power from Ratan India (1,080 MW), Mahagenco (630 MW) and NTPC, Solapur (640 MW), but still met the high demand, “ the statement added.
The distribution company said it was anticipating higher demand in March and April months and had already made arrangements to this effect.
As for the rising mercury, the maximum temperature at Shivajinagar rose to 34.5°C on Thursday.