The Telangana government on Monday, 19 October 2026 directed all state government offices to reduce electricity consumption, citing a surge in power demand compounded by poor generation linked to the effects of El Niño. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju issued the directives following a video conference with senior officials overseeing conditions across erstwhile districts of the state.

Key Directives Issued

Chief Secretary Jaju instructed that air conditioners in government offices be operated at a temperature setting of 25 degrees Celsius and only when necessary during daytime hours. After 6 pm, their use should be significantly curtailed. Officials were also directed to take all necessary steps to ensure maximum electricity generation at all thermal power stations in the state.

A specific instruction was issued to the five special officers assigned to the Yadadri Thermal Power Station, directing them to take dedicated measures to maximise electricity production at the facility. Officials were further asked to prepare micro-level contingency plans to prevent shortages of both drinking water and electricity arising from El Niño conditions.

Power Supply Situation

Despite the generation shortfall, Jaju stated that the government was continuing to supply power for agricultural and domestic requirements. He also clarified that no power cuts were being imposed on industries in the state, assuring that industrial operations would not be disrupted.

The Chief Secretary added that an all-party meeting would be convened soon to explain the impact of El Niño, and a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting would also be held shortly. The government, he noted, had already prepared department-wise contingency plans to address severe conditions expected from the weather phenomenon and was issuing periodic instructions.

Illegal Water Withdrawal Straining the Grid

Officials from the Energy Department flagged a contributing factor: water was reportedly being illegally drawn from local water sources for agricultural use through dedicated motor pumps. This excessive withdrawal was increasing the electrical load and causing local transformers to burn out, further straining the grid.

A special enforcement drive is currently underway in Hyderabad to identify and remove illegally installed motor pumps on municipal water taps. The operation is being conducted in coordination with HYDRA and other agencies.

Water Supply Measures and Borewell Regulations

With supplies from the Manjeera and Singur reservoirs unavailable, officials indicated that the 110 million gallons per day (MGD) normally sourced from these reservoirs is being supplemented through alternative channels — including 60 MGD from Mission Bhagiratha, along with additional supplies from the Krishna River and other sources.

Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan stated that permission to drill new borewells in Hyderabad would henceforth be granted only for drinking water purposes and in line with established regulations. No new borewells would be permitted for construction or other activities, though deepening of existing borewells solely for drinking water requirements was being allowed.

Starting 1 November, treated water from Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) would be supplied to construction sites in Hyderabad through green water tankers, officials announced. Meanwhile, Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj noted that groundwater levels in Rangareddy district were declining significantly and that alternative plans were being prepared and implemented to prevent drinking water shortages in the region.

The state's multi-pronged response signals the scale of the challenge ahead, with El Niño conditions expected to persist and both power and water stress likely to intensify through the coming months.