Haldwani’s electricity demand is expected to climb to 70 MW during Diwali, up from the usual 60 to 65 MW, as homes and markets increase lighting for the festival. The Energy Corporation is preparing its network to keep supplies stable during the period of higher consumption.

The additional demand will also raise the cost of supplying electricity. However, the corporation’s final expenditure will depend on actual consumption, the electricity purchase rate and the length of time for which the extra supply is required.

Maintenance underway on 32 feeders

The corporation has accelerated maintenance on 32 feeders supplied by 7 substations in Haldwani. Work includes inspections of wires, jumpers and transformers before the expected rise in festive load.

Officials have also been instructed to monitor the network during morning and evening peak hours. The checks are intended to reduce the risk of transformer damage caused by overloading and prevent line tripping as lighting demand increases.

Pradeep Kumar Bisht, executive engineer for Haldwani’s urban area, said the corporation expected demand to rise because of additional lighting in homes and markets. He said efforts were being made to provide uninterrupted electricity despite the higher load.

District demand continues to rise

Electricity demand has also remained significant across Nainital district. Ravi Rajoria, superintendent engineer of the Electricity Distribution Circle, said demand in the district had reached 1185.726 million units by 21 October in financial year 2026-27.

The district’s distribution network includes 31 substations and 161 feeders. Demand stood at 1162.915 million units in 2024-25 and 1129.266 million units in 2025-26, according to the figures provided by the distribution authorities.

The latest figure for 2026-27 is reported up to 21 October, while the earlier figures cover their respective financial years. This distinction is important when comparing the totals.

Consumption varies by area

Within the Haldwani rural distribution division, Lalkuan and TP Nagar recorded the highest electricity consumption. In the Nainital distribution division, demand was comparatively lower in Betalghat, Ramgarh and Sargakhet.

The maintenance programme and peak-hour monitoring are the corporation’s immediate measures for managing the festive increase. The actual rise in demand and the final supply cost will become clear after consumption and procurement details are assessed.

Conclusion

Haldwani’s Diwali electricity demand may reach 70 MW, while the Energy Corporation completes work on 32 feeders and monitors peak-hour loads to support reliable supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Haldwani’s normal daily electricity demand?

Haldwani’s daily demand normally remains between 60 and 65 MW.

Q. How high could demand reach during Diwali?

Demand is expected to reach 70 MW during Diwali.

Q. How many feeders are undergoing maintenance?

Maintenance is being carried out on 32 feeders connected to 7 substations.

Q. What equipment is being checked?

Officials are inspecting wires, jumpers and transformers.

Q. When will electricity loads be monitored?

Loads will be monitored during the morning and evening peak hours.

Q. What was Nainital district’s electricity demand by 21 October?

Demand in financial year 2026-27 was recorded at 1185.726 million units by 21 October.

Q. How many substations and feeders serve Nainital district?

The district has 31 substations and 161 feeders.

Q. Which areas recorded the highest consumption in the Haldwani rural division?

Lalkuan and TP Nagar recorded the highest consumption in that division.