Dehradun: Uttarakhand is facing a significant power deficit this summer, with electricity demand outstripping supply due to a combination of factors including a severe heatwave, reduced hydropower generation from lower river levels, and increased usage of induction cooktops amid an LPG shortage.
Rising Demand and Supply Challenges
The state power utility, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL), reported that average demand has increased by approximately 5% in the current financial year 2026-27. A UPCL official noted a steady year-on-year rise in peak demand: on April 25, 2024, peak demand was 2,357 megawatts (MW); on the same day in 2025, it rose to 2,460 MW; and in 2026, it reached 2,647 MW.
This surge in demand coincides with rising temperatures, as Dehradun recorded its highest temperature of the season on Sunday, with heatwave-like conditions prevailing across the state.
Factors Affecting Supply
UPCL Managing Director G S Budiyal explained that multiple factors have impacted power supply. The ongoing West Asia crisis has disrupted gas supply to India, affecting power generation from gas-based plants with a combined capacity of 321 MW. To manage the situation, UPCL has implemented measures such as advance power procurement, efficient load and peak demand management, and real-time monitoring.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has requested an additional 150 MW from the central pool to meet rising demand. UPCL has already secured 120 MW for April and 193 MW for May and June from the central pool. Budiyal stated, "We are taking all possible steps to manage demand and optimise available resources. We appeal to people to cooperate till April 30 and conserve power."
