Gujarat recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 29,822 MW on 16 October 2026, a 36.6% surge over the same period last year, prompting the state government to fast-track power procurement, expand battery storage, and sign an agreement for a 4,200 MW nuclear power project. The state's daily electricity consumption also climbed to 574 million units in October, up from 457 million units in the corresponding month last year — a rise of roughly 27%.

Why Demand Spiked

State officials attributed the record-breaking figures to a confluence of factors: persistently high temperatures despite a weak monsoon, heightened electricity use for agricultural irrigation, and elevated industrial activity during Navratri and in the run-up to Diwali. Agricultural demand alone hit a daily peak of 12,000 MW, as farmers drew power to irrigate standing crops. Lower rainfall across Gujarat and neighbouring states has curtailed hydropower generation, which typically peaks in October and November, while reduced wind speeds have simultaneously depressed wind power output.

The stress is sharpest during the evening peak between 5 pm and 11 pm, when solar generation drops to zero after sunset and wind supply remains intermittent. Coal- and gas-based plants shoulder the load during these hours, with the State Load Dispatch Centre working to maintain grid frequency.

Immediate Procurement Measures

Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State Kaushik Vekariya reviewed the supply situation with senior officials of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and power companies in Gandhinagar on Saturday. Following high-level meetings with the Centre, the Union Ministry of Coal has assured 10–11 railway rakes of coal daily until November and 13–14 rakes daily from November onwards for the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL).

Short-term procurement of 2,990 MW has been arranged for October, 1,740 MW for November, and 1,335 MW for December. The state has also secured 379 MW from NTPC's Farakka plant for November and 500 MW on a long-term basis from Assam's share of central power generation. An additional 500 MW from the unallocated share of central generation has also been allocated to Gujarat.

Battery Storage and Solar Expansion

To manage the evening demand gap, Gujarat is scaling up its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. A total of 192 MW is currently operational, while contracts have been finalised for 2,742 MW, equivalent to 5,517 MWh of storage. A further 500 MW/1,000 MWh is expected to come online by March 2027, and a tender for an additional 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh is under process. In parallel, approximately 12,000 MW of solar capacity generated during daylight hours will be maximised, with agricultural electricity consumption being scheduled to daytime slots to reduce evening load.

Long-Term Capacity Additions

On the generation front, more than 1,300 MW has been allocated to Gujarat from central thermal generating stations, with phased supply commencing from 2027 and full availability expected by 2028–29. An additional 1,200 MW from central hydropower stations is expected in phases from November 2026. The state has also sought an allocation of over 5,000 MW from central thermal stations to meet projected demand in 2031–32. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) will shortly issue a tender for 4,000 MW under the SHAKTI scheme, with supply expected from 2030–31.

An 800 MW thermal power plant is under construction at Ukai, due for commissioning by September 2029. Land acquisition and in-principle approvals are under way for new thermal projects at Sinor, Wanakbori, and Gandhinagar. Most significantly, the state government has signed an agreement with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for a 4,200 MW nuclear power project, with the first unit expected to become operational in 2032.

The government stated that current supplies are adequate to meet existing demand and urged citizens to avoid electricity wastage, shift intensive consumption to daylight hours, and limit use during the evening peak. Demand is expected to ease as weather conditions moderate in the coming days.