KADAPA/ NELLORE: The impact of El Niño, which has been causing heat and deficient rainfall conditions, is now being felt in the power sector as electricity consumption has increased sharply in Kadapa and Nellore districts due to deficit rainfall and the El Niño effect raising the temperatures.
There are 9,20,477 electricity connections across the Kadapa, Mydukur, Proddatur, Pulivendula, and Rajampet divisions covering domestic, commercial, industrial, agriculture sectors, besides government utilities.
The district normally consumes around 15 million units (MU) of electricity a day, but consumption has now increased to 17 MU. Between September 1 and 10 this year, consumption stood at 161 MU, compared with 125 MU during the corresponding period last year. Of Kadapa’s 40 mandals, 27 have recorded rainfall below 50 per cent of normal, while 13 have reported a deficit of more than 50 per cent.
The groundwater level has fallen from 10.11 metres last year to 13.58 metres this year Officials attributed the increase largely to the growing use of air conditioners, coolers, and fans as daytime temperatures have risen to around 36 degrees Celsius.
Senior officials said monthly consumption in Nellore has increased by around 100 MU compared with last year. According to official data, consumption rose from 329.968 MU in May 2025 to 410.806 MU in May 2026. In June, it increased from 330.806 MU to 417.869 MU; in July, from 338.729 MU to 435.729 MU; and in August, from 319.109 MU to 433.661 MU.
Officials said 2,920 transformers across Nellore district have required repairs since April 2026. To prevent disruptions, the department is focusing on installing additional transformers and upgrading substations.
“Electricity consumption in the district is increasing tremendously due to El Niño. The daily quota being allocated to the district is not sufficient, forcing us to procure additional power. Whenever a problem occurs, we resolve it immediately and restore supply. Additional transformers are being installed wherever necessary. Consumers should cooperate,” said P Sudhakar, District Superintending Engineer.