Electricity demand surges in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu causing power outages

Increased electricity demand driven by rising temperatures and monsoon deficits has led to power shortages and load shedding across parts of southern India.

In Karnataka, daily demand has reached 19,140 MW, exceeding the total generation of 18,889 MW. The deficit is attributed to high usage of cooling appliances, technical issues at thermal power plants in Raichur, Ballari, and Yellapur, and reduced supply from central stations. Additionally, the state must fulfill electricity banking agreements with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. MESCOM has scheduled a day-long maintenance shutdown in Mangaluru on September 15, affecting several prominent areas including Ekkur, Pumpwell, and the local railway station.

In Tamil Nadu, a spike in demand to approximately 550 MW has caused disruptions in the Tiruchy district. Frequent nighttime outages have prompted protests from villagers in Chatrapatti, Ariyavur, and Ammapettai, who blocked roads to demand regular supply. While local officials have attributed the disruptions to necessary load shedding, they have assured residents that issues should be resolved shortly.