{
  "id": 15312744,
  "title": "Navratri surge: Gujarat sees highest ever single-day electricity demand of 29,822 MW",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/navratri-surge-gujarat-sees-highest-ever-single-day-electricity",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T00:16:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/navratri-surge-gujarat-sees-highest-ever-single-day-electricity-demand-of-29822-mw-10926318/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gujarat experienced its highest ever electricity consumption on Friday, October 16, reaching an unprecedented 29,822 MW, despite a decline in renewable energy production, according to the state government. The surge is primarily due to a rainfall deficit and increased demand during the Navratri and Diwali festivities, the government stated. To address the urgent energy demand and ensure supply for the Rabi season after Diwali, the government signed agreements to source a total of 1,379 MW from the Central quota and NTPC Ltd's Farakka plant in West Bengal and Assam. State Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel emphasized the importance of judicious electricity use and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary consumption during peak evening hours. High-level meetings were held to secure daily supplies of 13-14 coal rakes to Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL) and to explore long-term tie-ups for additional electricity. The government has also increased the capacity of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and assured a supply of 10-11 rakes per day for October, increasing to 13-15 rakes daily in November. The power demand in Gujarat rose by 12% in the months of September and October compared to the previous year, primarily driven by the Navratri and Diwali festivities and the El Nino effect, which resulted in reduced hydro and wind power generation.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Gujarat recorded highest-ever single-day electricity demand of 29,822 MW on October 16.",
    "Declining renewable energy production contributed to the surge during Navratri and Diwali.",
    "Government secured additional 1,379 MW from Central quota and NTPC plants to meet demand."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The record demand driven by seasonal festivities and weather patterns forces the state to rely on external coal supplies and increased storage to prevent shortages during the upcoming agricultural season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}