Nagpur: With temperatures soaring, electricity demand in Nagpur has hit a record high of nearly 950 megawatts (MW), placing severe strain on the city's power distribution network and resulting in frequent outages. To address the rising demand and modernize infrastructure, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) is executing power projects worth over Rs 1,385 crore across the district, including Rs 602.98 crore in works funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Sharp Rise in Demand
MSEDCL reported that power demand in Nagpur city surged from approximately 470 MW in February to nearly 800 MW at the start of summer, before reaching the current peak of 950 MW. This sharp increase is driven by heavy usage of air conditioners, coolers, fans, and other appliances during afternoon and late-evening peak hours.
Overloading and Preventive Measures
Officials noted that the excessive load is causing transformers in several localities to overheat, particularly during the evening when consumption spikes. In many cases, safety fuses trip automatically to prevent major transformer failures, leading to temporary supply disruptions. The utility clarified that these outages are not due to power shortages but are preventive technical measures to protect the network from larger breakdowns.
Apart from overloading, pre-monsoon thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning have damaged power lines and other infrastructure in several areas. MSEDCL said emergency shutdowns are occasionally carried out to prevent accidents and facilitate restoration work safely. Simultaneously, the utility is undertaking extensive pre-monsoon maintenance, including replacing faulty insulators, trimming hazardous tree branches, and performing urgent substation repairs to minimize monsoon-related disruptions.
Infrastructure Upgradation Plan
The upgradation plan includes the construction of 21 new 33/11 kV substations—nine in urban areas and 12 in rural parts of the district—along with capacity enhancement of seven existing substations. The project also involves the installation of 405 transformers, 156 kilometers of overhead lines, and nearly 300 kilometers of underground cabling to improve reliability and voltage stability.
In addition, tenders have been floated for another Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 783 crore. The proposal includes 24 new substations, additional transformers at eight substations, and capacity augmentation at four existing facilities. It also envisages laying more than 1,000 kilometers of overhead and underground power lines across the district.
Future Outlook
MSEDCL officials stated that the ongoing projects are expected to significantly strengthen Nagpur's electricity distribution network and reduce load-related outages in the coming years. The utility has also appealed to consumers to avoid unnecessary power consumption during peak hours to ease pressure on the system amid the continuing heatwave.
