Mumbai, Nov. 2 -- Odisha's electricity demand has fallen sharply after heavy rains linked to a low-pressure system and cyclone Arnab. Average demand declined to 4,593 MW on Wednesday from 5,297 MW on Tuesday, a one-day reduction of 704 MW. Compared with the 5,804 MW recorded on October 26, average demand was down by 1,211 MW as cooler conditions and weather-related disruptions affected industrial and commercial activity.
The state had recorded unusually high temperatures earlier in October, pushing peak power demand to nearly 7,200 MW despite the post-monsoon period. Demand began easing after rainfall associated with the system over the Bay of Bengal, which later intensified into cyclone Arnab. On October 26, peak demand stood at 6,396 MW, while Thursday morning's peak was 4,802 MW, down from 5,210 MW on Wednesday.
The State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) has also reduced Odisha's drawal from central generating stations. The state was drawing around 1,200 MW from the central pool on October 25 but drew only 162 MW on Wednesday. The SLDC attributed the reduction to both lower weather-driven consumption and cyclone-related damage to the distribution network across eight severely affected districts.
Gale winds uprooted trees and electric poles, while transmission lines, feeders and transformers were damaged, disrupting power supply in southern and coastal Odisha. Distribution utilities, including TP Southern Odisha Distribution and TP Western Odisha Distribution, reported extensive interruptions in their operating areas, with the southern utility facing the most significant infrastructure damage.
Waterlogging and flash floods in parts of Cuttack, Ganjam and Gajapati further disrupted transport, industrial operations and commercial activity, contributing to weaker electricity consumption. Demand recovery will depend on the restoration of supply, the resumption of economic activity and weather conditions in the coming days.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.