Cyclone Arnab Impact: Odisha’s Power Demand Drops by 1,211 MW

Odisha has recorded a significant decline in electricity consumption following heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab. The state’s average power demand fell to 4,593 MW on Wednesday from 5,297 MW a day earlier, marking a single-day drop of 704 MW.

Compared with the 5,804 MW recorded on October 26, overall demand has decreased by 1,211 MW. Cooler weather, disrupted business and industrial activities, and damage to power infrastructure have contributed to the decline.

According to the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), Odisha’s morning peak demand on Thursday stood at 4,802 MW, down from 5,210 MW on Wednesday. The state’s drawal from central generating stations also plunged from around 1,200 MW on October 25 to just 162 MW on Wednesday.

Strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, damaging transmission lines, feeders and transformers across eight severely affected districts. TPSODL and TPWODL reported major disruptions, while waterlogging and flash floods in parts of Cuttack, Ganjam and Gajapati further affected transport and commercial operations.

Officials said the recovery in electricity demand will depend on the restoration of damaged power networks, the revival of economic activities and the weather conditions in the coming days.