Tripura is preparing for a sharp rise in electricity consumption during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, with the state expecting peak demand to reach around 410 MW. The Tripura Durga Puja power plan includes stronger grid preparedness, additional electricity arrangements and possible reductions in power supplied to Bangladesh.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath reviewed the preparations with officials from the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and Tripura Power Generation Limited (TPGL). The review covered generation, transmission, maintenance and emergency restoration measures.
The state recorded a peak demand of 373 MW during Durga Puja last year, below its earlier projection of 380 MW. This year, authorities are preparing for a considerably higher requirement as festival-related consumption increases across Tripura.
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Tripura Durga Puja Power Demand Expected to Rise
Tripura’s electricity demand typically increases during Durga Puja as households, commercial establishments and community celebrations consume more power. Decorative lighting, temporary installations and extended operating hours at markets and other venues can add pressure to the distribution network.
Last year’s peak demand reached 373 MW during the Puja period. TSECL had prepared for approximately 380 MW at the time. For the 2026 festivities, however, the state has raised its preparedness level and is planning around a 410 MW peak requirement.
The higher estimate reflects the state’s broader growth in electricity consumption. Data from the Central Electricity Authority shows that Tripura’s peak electricity demand increased from 317 MW in 2020-21 to 386 MW in 2024-25, while the peak requirement excluding Bangladesh supply also continued to rise.
Moreover, the CEA’s resource adequacy assessment recorded a 5 percent compound annual growth rate in Tripura’s peak electricity demand between 2020-21 and 2024-25. The trend gives authorities a reason to prepare for higher festival loads rather than relying solely on previous Puja figures.
The government therefore wants TSECL and other agencies to maintain sufficient generation and transmission capacity throughout the festival. Officials are also preparing contingency measures in case equipment failures or sudden demand increases affect local supply.
Supply to Bangladesh May Be Reduced During Puja
Tripura may reduce electricity exports to Bangladesh during Durga Puja if domestic demand rises sharply. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the state would prioritise local consumers during the festival. Authorities would adjust cross-border supply if necessary.
This approach aims to manage the seasonal increase in electricity demand. Tripura supplies power to Bangladesh through an established trading arrangement. However, the state also needs additional electricity from neighbouring regions during periods of high consumption.
Previous arrangements offer a useful comparison. In 2024, Tripura planned to restrict electricity exports to Bangladesh during Durga Puja. The state also planned to procure additional power to meet festival demand. At the time, officials reported an average supply of about 71 MW to Bangladesh.
The current plan aims to protect domestic consumers during one of Tripura’s biggest annual festivals. However, recent reports do not specify the amount of electricity the state may reduce during Durga Puja 2026.
Meanwhile, Tripura is exploring additional electricity supplies from other parts of the region. Nath said the state could consider arrangements similar to its seasonal power exchange with Mizoram. Such cooperation could help address temporary shortages.
Grid Preparations Expand Across Tripura
The power department’s review covered generation, transmission and distribution. Officials examined 132 kV, 66 kV and 33 kV transmission lines. They also reviewed maintenance needs and procedures for restoring electricity after technical failures.
Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) must maintain enough standby transformers. These units can help teams restore electricity if an operating transformer develops a fault. The department is also arranging vehicles, ladders and additional personnel for emergencies.
The department has cancelled employee leave during Puja to support round-the-clock operations. Field teams must respond quickly to faults at substations, transmission lines and distribution networks. This arrangement aims to minimise disruptions during the festival.
Officials are also considering improvements to the existing 1912 electricity helpline. Additional call centres and operators could help consumers report outages more efficiently. These measures would support faster responses during the busy festival period.
Temporary Puja installations can increase pressure on local distribution systems. Therefore, authorities have warned organisers against illegal electrical connections and unsafe hook lines. Such connections can cause accidents and disrupt electricity supplies to nearby areas.
The administration has also stressed coordination with Puja committees. Preventive inspections and regular communication can help organisers identify electrical problems early. These steps could reduce risks at crowded venues and nearby residential areas.
Additional Power and Weather Contingency Measures
Tripura is also exploring ways to meet peak demand through regional power arrangements. The state has historically drawn additional electricity from Mizoram during periods of high consumption. In return, Tripura has supplied extra power to Mizoram during its own peak periods, particularly around Christmas.
Nath said officials would continue to consider this reciprocal arrangement during the current Puja season. If demand exceeds expectations, Tripura could explore additional electricity from other parts of the northeastern grid.
These arrangements offer flexibility during short periods of unusually high demand. However, the final requirement will depend on actual consumption, weather conditions and electricity availability in neighbouring regions.
Weather monitoring also forms part of the preparations. Nath said the India Meteorological Department’s assessment did not indicate a major storm or severe weather event during the Puja period. Officials expected a more comprehensive forecast closer to the festival.
The department has asked officials to submit a final preparedness report around Mahalaya. This report should review existing arrangements and identify outstanding issues before the main celebrations begin.
Tripura’s electricity system also faces long-term demand growth. According to the Central Electricity Authority’s assessment, the state’s contracted power capacity stood at 615 MW in March 2025. Gas-based generation accounted for a significant share of that capacity.
Consequently, the challenge extends beyond electricity generation. Authorities must ensure that transmission and distribution networks can deliver available power safely. They must also prepare for simultaneous demand increases across different parts of the state.
Conclusion
The Tripura Durga Puja power preparations aim to manage an expected festival peak of 410 MW while protecting domestic electricity supplies. Authorities are inspecting transmission lines, arranging standby equipment and maintaining emergency teams. They are also exploring additional electricity sources.
Tripura may reduce electricity exports to Bangladesh if domestic demand rises sharply. Meanwhile, regional power arrangements, including the seasonal exchange with Mizoram, could help the state manage temporary shortages.
Actual consumption and operating conditions will determine the final electricity requirement. For now, the government has directed power agencies to prepare for higher demand than last year and respond quickly to disruptions.
FAQs
What is Tripura’s expected peak power demand during Durga Puja 2026?
Tripura expects peak electricity demand to reach around 410 MW during Durga Puja 2026. This projection exceeds the 373 MW peak recorded during the previous year’s festivities.
Why is Tripura preparing for higher electricity demand?
Households, businesses and festival venues generally consume more electricity during Durga Puja. Tripura has also experienced long-term growth in peak demand. Therefore, authorities are preparing for a higher requirement this year.
Will Tripura reduce electricity supply to Bangladesh during Puja?
Tripura may reduce electricity exports to Bangladesh if domestic demand rises sharply. Officials have not announced a fixed reduction for the 2026 festival period.
How will Tripura manage the risk of power shortages?
Authorities are arranging standby transformers, emergency vehicles, additional personnel and restoration teams. Tripura is also exploring electricity supplies from other regions and may use its seasonal power exchange with Mizoram.
What safety measures are planned for Puja venues?
Power officials have warned organisers against illegal electrical connections and unsafe hook lines. The department is also coordinating with Puja committees and maintaining emergency resources to address electrical faults quickly.