Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) resumed power generation at Basin Bridge Gas Turbine Power Station after nearly five years. The plant has four 30 MW units (combined 120 MW capacity); two units will operate to generate 60 MW until September 16.

Chennai's peak power demand reached 4,469 MW on September 10, 2026, compared to 3,884 MW the previous year. Pressure on the utility increased during morning and evening peak hours. Limited power availability on electricity exchanges due to high demand across multiple states forced the restart decision.

The plant operates on a dual-fuel system using naphtha, natural gas, or high-speed diesel (HSD) as starting fuel. Due to non-availability of natural gas in Chennai, units previously operated on naphtha at ₹12 per unit generation cost, which was economically unviable. TNPGCL procured 60,000 litres of HSD from Indian Oil Corporation. Current generation cost expected to reach ₹30 per unit but was necessary to ensure uninterrupted power supply during peak hours.

Basin Bridge flyover experiences traffic pile-up exceeding one kilometre each morning. More than one lakh people commute from North Chennai through this route. No alternative routes available.