Energy Resources Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Tuesday said a prolonged summer had led to a spurt in electricity demand in the State, and the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) had to resort to purchasing power at more than ₹30 per unit to avoid unscheduled power cuts.

Addressing the media, he said the current peak power demand was 21,000 MW when compared to 16,000 MW last year — a 30% increase due to the El Niño effect. He said the entire country was facing an energy shortage.

The Minister said that currently, gas power was the only source available, and it was being purchased at more than ₹30 per unit.

The expensive power was being purchased for managing the evening peak-hour demand for six hours from October 15 to 31, he added.

Mr. Nirmal Kumar said TNPDCL had to purchase expensive gas power owing to the central generating station at Neyveli Lignite Corporation reducing output by nearly 1,850 MW.

Also, despite the State having tied up with wind power generators to generate 3,500 MW of wind power, only 500 MW was being generated and supplied, he added.

Mr. Nirmal Kumar sought the setting up of a nationwide energy forecasting centre for alerts on power shortfall.