Solar power surge helps TN manage rising summer demand

Chennai: With summer intensifying across Tamil Nadu, electricity demand has begun to rise sharply across urban and rural regions. At the same time, a notable increase in solar power generation is helping the state manage the growing load, reducing stress on the grid and supporting a stable supply during a crucial period.

Data from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) shows that solar power evacuation reached 54.8 million units (MUs) on March 24 and 55.6 MUs on March 27, setting new records.

These figures have exceeded the earlier peak of 53.9 MUs recorded in August 2025, indicating a strong upward trend in renewable energy contribution even before peak summer demand sets in.

Solar energy contributed close to 13 per cent of the total electricity consumption during these days, underlining its increasing role in the state’s energy mix.

The rise in generation has coincided with a steady increase in power usage driven by higher temperatures, expanded use of cooling appliances, and a gradual shift toward electric cooking solutions in certain regions.

Electricity consumption in the state has already touched 423.887 MUs, marking the highest level recorded so far this season.

With temperatures expected to climb further, demand is projected to rise steadily and potentially cross previous records in the coming weeks.

The consistent evacuation of around 50 MUs of solar power daily has helped maintain an uninterrupted supply to consumers across sectors. This additional capacity has played a stabilising role, especially during periods of peak daytime demand.