UP has highest number of power consumers but lags in electricity production

Amid a power crisis in the state following severe heatwave conditions, Uttar Pradesh ranks lowest among the top five states in electricity production when the demand is highest in the country.

Consequently, there is a need to establish more state-run power generation units in Uttar Pradesh.

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While Gujarat ranks first in installed power generation capacity, Rajasthan second, Maharashtra third, Tamil Nadu fourth, and Uttar Pradesh fifth, Uttar Pradesh is the top state in terms of the number of electricity consumers but lags in electricity production.

Currently, all states across the country strive to provide maximum electricity during the summer season in proportion to their consumer base.

During the peak summer season this year, the power demand in UP crossed 31,000 megawatt, the highest in the country. The government, in order to cope with this demand, has to purchase power at a premium rate, affecting the exchequer.

Therefore, in the coming years, it will be necessary to increase the installed capacity in the state sector in the interest of consumers and state finances.

On the other hand, the state’s electricity generation system prohibits the purchase of expensive electricity from state-owned production units, leading to power rationing in rural areas and cities.

Awadhesh Kumar Verma, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council and a member of the Supreme Central Advisory Committee, stated here on Wednesday that the entire country, especially North India, is facing a severe power crisis.

“At this time, Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, with approximately 37.3 million electricity consumers, is in dire need of establishing new power plants in the state sector.

Currently, Maharashtra has approximately 28.5 million electricity consumers, Tamil Nadu has approximately 23 million, West Bengal has approximately 21 million, and Karnataka has approximately 22.5 million,” he disclosed.

He stated that installed power capacity data as of April 30, 2026, shows that despite being among the top five states in the country, Uttar Pradesh ranks lowest in state-level generation capacity.

Based on data from the Central Electricity Authority, the total installed capacity of the top five states is: Gujarat – 73,627.91 MW, Rajasthan – 61,381.28 MW, Maharashtra – 59,979.65 MW, Tamil Nadu – 47,989.37 MW, and Uttar Pradesh – 39,034.67 MW, while the total installed capacity in the country is 537,264.41 MW.

The sector-wise situation in Uttar Pradesh is as follows: State Sector – 9,637.73 MW, Private Sector – 12,786.74 MW and Central Sector – 16,610.20 MW.

Verma said that Uttar Pradesh is meeting its power needs by being heavily dependent on the private and central sectors for energy. “To ensure future energy security, affordable electricity, and protect consumer interests, the state government should establish large-scale new thermal, solar, and hydropower projects in the state sector,” he suggested.

He demanded that the state sector production capacity be rapidly increased to make UP an energy-sufficient state in the coming years.