CPDL meets 97 per cent of city’s electricity needs from non-fossil sources, setting a benchmark for urban clean-energy transition

In a milestone for India’s urban energy transition, Chandigarh Power Distribution (CPDL) has supplied nearly all of the Union Territory’s power demand through renewable and non-fossil-fuel sources during the Diwali period.

According to the utility, about 2.5 lakh consumers were powered mainly by renewable energy hydro, solar and wind with a small contribution from nuclear power. CPDL said it met around 97 per cent of the city’s household electricity demand from non-fossil sources, with close to 90 per cent drawn from renewables.

On 20 October, between 8 am and 2 pm, the city’s power requirement was met almost entirely from green sources. CPDL Director Arun Kumar Verma called the achievement “truly special for Chandigarh,” noting that powering the city with clean energy “reflects our collective responsibility towards sustainability” and strengthens its position as a model for renewable adoption.

The development marks the first time in the city’s history that such a large share of its consumers has been powered primarily by renewables. CPDL said it plans to continue expanding its green-energy portfolio to further increase the share of renewable supply in the coming years.

Energy analysts view this as a significant step in India’s shift from renewable-capacity growth to actual consumer supply. Chandigarh’s performance demonstrates that an urban grid can rely heavily on renewable generation, with limited support from nuclear power, without compromising demand stability.

While the milestone was achieved during peak daylight hours when solar generation is strongest it underscores the progress made in integrating clean energy into urban power systems. The city’s example may serve as a model for other utilities working towards similar renewable targets.