The Tamil Nadu government has announced an ambitious plan to strengthen the state’s electricity network by establishing 231 new substations at an estimated cost of ₹15,032 crore. The decision comes amid growing concerns over recurring power outages and increasing criticism from opposition parties.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay chaired a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department and directed officials to take immediate measures to improve power supply reliability. As part of the initiative, the government will recruit 15,058 electricity workers and expedite the procurement of essential electrical equipment to address faults and enhance service delivery.
According to the state government, Tamil Nadu currently has sufficient power generation and procurement capacity, and there is no overall electricity shortage. However, localized disruptions continue to occur, particularly in Chennai and other urban areas, due to ageing transformers, underground cable failures, rising electricity consumption, maintenance activities, and accidental damage to power lines during infrastructure works.
To address these challenges, infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹2,275 crore will be implemented in Chennai. Across the state, 121 new and upgraded substations are already under construction at a cost of ₹10,109 crore, while the newly announced 231 substations are expected to further strengthen the electricity distribution network.
The government also reiterated its commitment to meeting future energy requirements through renewable energy projects, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and new thermal power plants. Officials were instructed to respond swiftly to complaints, conduct regular patrols, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
The announcement follows weeks of frequent power cuts that have sparked political debate. While Electricity Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar attributed some outages to suspected acts of sabotage, opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the government of inadequate planning and failing to prepare for peak summer demand.
With the Central Electricity Authority projecting Tamil Nadu’s power demand to rise to 23,013 MW by 2026-27, the state’s latest investment is being positioned as a major step toward ensuring a reliable and resilient electricity network for the future.
