Guwahati: Assam is expected to see a sharp rise in electricity demand over the next decade, with peak power requirement projected to nearly triple by 2035–36, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) Resource Adequacy Plan.
The state’s peak demand is expected to increase from 2,812 MW in 2024–25 to 7,969 MW by 2035–36, driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial growth and rising consumer needs. While Assam plans to increase its power generation capacity to over 17,700 MW by that time, experts warn that generation alone will not be enough.
Power sector expert Saddaf Alam said the biggest challenge lies in expanding transmission infrastructure. He noted that building transmission lines requires long-term planning, land clearances and coordination, and delays could lead to frequent power shortages. Strengthening transmission, he said, would reduce costly power purchases, lower grid stress and help avoid outages like the major blackouts seen in Guwahati in 2025 and across several districts in 2024.
Experts said frequent power cuts disrupt industries, agriculture, healthcare and education, and can deter investment. They added that reliable electricity supply has the potential to create over two lakh jobs and support Assam’s long-term economic growth.
According to experts, prioritising transmission expansion, upgrading substations and building high-capacity corridors will be crucial for Assam’s energy security in the coming decade.
