Maximum peak power demand in the state to rise by 18% by month-end; MSEDCL gears up to prevent load shedding

Mumbai: The maximum peak demand electricity shortfall this month is 1700 MW across Maharashtra, and this is projected to increase by 18% by the month’s end, a petition by MSEDCL before the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) stated. The commission has, therefore, through its latest order of September 1, allowed MSEDCL to procure short-term power at rates less than Rs 5.5 per unit to ensure there is no load shedding across the state.

The order mentioned that based on historical trends, MSEDCL typically experiences a rise in power demand during October. This increase is primarily driven by the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, leading to the onset of the ‘October Heat Effect’, characterised by high temperatures and humidity.