Indian states scramble for extra power as supply gaps widen in September

Electricity demand in India remained high into October, pushing the national shortfall to 560 million kWh in September, the worst level in three years. Reduced hydropower output after a weak monsoon, constrained coal deliveries and maintenance at thermal plants tightened supplies. Consequently, a dozen states—including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi—requested additional central allocations to avoid night-time outages.

Gujarat responded by arranging extra power after its demand hit a record 29,822 MW on Oct 16. Tamil Nadu resorted to expensive emergency purchases, agreeing to pay up to ₹37 per unit for 1,500 MW of power during peak evening hours. The Centre’s usual reserve of 14-15 GW was largely allocated already, limiting further relief, while the Power Ministry urged renewable producers to speed up battery-storage integration.