Rain reduces power demand

Chennai: The unexpected downpour for the last few days besides bringing respite from the sweltering heat, helped reduce the state’s power demand. Tamil Nadu’s daily power consumption reduced by about 13 per cent following rain. According to Tangedco sources, consumption dropped to 244 million units (MU) on Thursday from 280 mu on Saturday last after the rains started lashing parts of the state.

The peak demand is on a downward trend since May 9 when it touched 13,153 MW. It has dipped by 12 per cent to 11,551 MW on May 14. In Chennai, the rain started on Tuesday night. The city’s power consumption has come down from 51.26 MU on Tuesday to 45.78 MU on Thursday, thanks to rain.

“There was no voltage fluctuation for the past two days following the rain,” said R. Shanmugham, a resident of Ram Nagar in Madipakkam which suffered low voltage problem at night. In view of rain, there was a fall in power consumption by irrigation pumps in rural areas of some districts.

Less use of air-conditioners reduced power demand. However, Tangedco sources said reduction in power consumption was a “highly temporary” phenomenon. Consumption might shoot up soon after the rain stops. Reduced consumption will help conserve hydel energy, which can be used when the demand increases later.