Mumbai: Maharashtra’s peak power demand has touched a new high of 31,179 MW this year, underlining the mounting pressure on the state’s electricity network as temperatures rise and urban consumption expands. In Mumbai, peak demand crossed 3,700 MW for the second consecutive day, with 3,751 MW recorded at 2.50 pm, prompting utilities to urge consumers to conserve energy and shift usage to non-peak hours.At the same time, Mahagenco, state power generator, achieved a record-high power generation of 11,452 MW on March 9 while maintaining consistency in its performance, a senior official announced on Tuesday.“While meeting the state’s growing electricity demand, Mahagenco has successfully operationalised all 28 thermal power generation units and achieved power generation from them to meet the growing demand,” an official said. Power generation has been achieved through the Koyna Hydroelectric Project as well as other small hydroelectric projects’ generation units and the Uran Gas Power Generation Center of Mahagenco, the official added.Power companies have advised consumers, especially smart meter users, to take advantage of Time-of-Day tariffs, which offer lower electricity charges during off-peak periods. The move is aimed at easing stress on the grid while helping households and businesses reduce bills.Despite the surge, utilities in Mumbai and across Maharashtra said they have secured power purchase agreements to ensure uninterrupted supply to nearly 3.5 crore consumers statewide, including around 50 lakh users in Mumbai city and suburbs. However, experts cautioned that demand in the financial capital is rising steadily and could intensify further in the coming months.Mumbai’s electricity distribution is handled primarily by Adani Electricity, Tata Power and BEST. Industry experts said that during periods of sharp summer demand and in October, these companies often have to procure additional power from the market at higher rates to maintain supply. Adani Electricity and Tata Power have already sought medium-term power procurement, which has been approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission.The city’s power demand has been on a clear upward trajectory over the past two years. Mumbai had recorded its highest-ever peak demand of 4,306 MW on May 22, 2024, while in previous summers the load has climbed as high as 4,400 MW.
