Monsoon Boost Spurs Electricity Consumption in Telangana: Agriculture Emerges as Key Driver
Hyderabad, September 9, 2025 – Telangana is witnessing a sharp surge in electricity consumption this monsoon season, with agricultural activities emerging as the major contributor. Data from the state’s power utilities show that electricity demand in key agrarian districts has grown by more than 70% compared to the same period last year, underscoring both the vitality and challenges of the farm-driven economy.
According to officials of the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL), despite receiving good rainfall, farmers continue to rely heavily on electricity-powered borewells and pump sets to ensure assured irrigation for kharif crops such as paddy, cotton, and pulses.
“Even in years of strong monsoon, farmers prefer using electric motors for timely irrigation as a safeguard against crop damage. The demand has grown substantially this year, far exceeding our seasonal projections,” said a senior TSSPDCL official.
District-Wise Spike in Consumption
Vikarabad:
- Average monthly consumption rose from 3.87 million units in 2024 to 6.67 million units in 2025, registering 72.41% growth.
- In specific periods, consumption nearly doubled, such as from 3.16 million to 6.43 million units (103.48% rise) and from 3.55 million to 7.01 million units (97.46% rise).
- Overall, the district recorded an average growth rate of 74.41%, with intensified farming in semi-arid zones being a key factor.
Mahabubnagar:
- Average usage rose from 17.45 million units in 2024 to 30.27 million units in 2025, marking a 73.51% increase.
- The most dramatic rise was 110.99%, with consumption leaping from 16.92 million to 35.70 million units.
- Other notable increases included 64.52% (14.91m → 24.53m) and 80.53% (15.51m → 28.00m).
- With vast stretches of cotton and pulse cultivation, the district’s average growth stood at 73.86%.
Nalgonda:
- The highest growth was observed here, with average consumption rising from 21.69 million units to 37.50 million units, a 77.48% jump.
- Peak growth touched 148.68%, with usage soaring from 13.60 million to 33.82 million units in one cycle.
- Other increases included 90.42% (18.17m → 34.60m) and 55.88% (25.84m → 40.28m).
- Experts attribute this surge to heavy reliance on electric pumps in canal-irrigated farmlands for supplementary irrigation.
Collective Trends
Across Vikarabad, Mahabubnagar, and Nalgonda, average consumption rose from 43.01 million units in 2024 to 74.44 million units in 2025, translating to a collective 73.09% increase.
Agriculture expert Dr. K. Rama Rao noted:
“The surge in electricity use indicates healthy farming activity but also highlights risks for the power grid. Paddy fields, in particular, require consistent electricity for irrigation and dewatering. To manage future demand, the state must promote energy-efficient irrigation technologies, drip systems, and solar-powered pumps.”
Government Response
The electricity department has already begun procuring additional power from neighboring states and strengthening supply chains to prevent outages. However, officials caution that if the monsoon weakens in its later stages, demand could spike further, adding pressure to the state’s power resources.
With agriculture consuming over 60% of Telangana’s electricity supply, the latest figures underscore the dual challenge before policymakers: ensuring uninterrupted power for farmers while safeguarding grid stability.
