India's peak power demand hits record high for 3rd straight day amid heatwave
New Delhi, May 20
India's electricity demand touched a fresh all-time high for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as scorching temperatures and heatwave conditions across several parts of the country pushed up the use of air-conditioners, coolers and other electrical appliances in homes and commercial establishments.
According to the Union Power Ministry, peak power demand during solar hours reached 265.44 GW at 3:45 pm and was fully met without any shortage in supply. The latest figure surpassed Monday's previous record of 260.45 GW recorded at 3:40 pm. Earlier, on May 18, the country had registered a peak demand of 257.37 GW.
The ministry also said non-solar peak demand hit a record 247.21 GW at 10:29 pm on May 18, marking the highest-ever electricity requirement during non-solar hours.
Officials said the country's electricity supply position remains stable despite the surge in consumption, with adequate generation capacity and fuel stocks available to meet summer demand. The Power Ministry stated that robust systems are in place to manage the seasonal rise in electricity consumption.
Separately, the Coal Ministry said thermal power plants currently hold 50.9 million tonnes of coal stock. In addition, around 123 million tonnes of coal are available at mines operated by Coal India Limited, while captive mines hold another 16 million tonnes. The ministry said coal supplies are being maintained smoothly with logistical support from the railways.
The rise in electricity demand comes amid forecasts of continued above-normal temperatures in several regions. Minister of State Jitendra Singh urged people not to panic over heatwave predictions and advised citizens to follow basic precautions during the summer season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), above-normal temperatures are likely across parts of southern India, the northeast and northwest regions during May. The weather office said heatwave conditions are expected in parts of Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, adjoining Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra, with these areas likely to witness two to four more heatwave days than normal.
The IMD further said temperatures are expected to remain particularly high during the second and fourth weeks of May across northwest, central and western India, along with parts of the east coast. However, intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms associated with western disturbances may keep temperatures near or below normal in some regions during parts of the month.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I live in Chennai and the past few days have been unbearable. AC is running non-stop, and our electricity bill is going to be sky-high this month. 😅 But at least there's no power cut, thanks to the grid management. Hope they keep it up through May and June.
The govt says "don't panic" but have they seen the temperature in Delhi? It's literally 45°C. We need more than just advice - how about tree plantation drives, cool roofs initiative, and better urban planning? Heatwaves will keep getting worse every year.
Good to see coal stocks are adequate this time. But shouldn't we be reducing our dependence on thermal power? The transition to green energy needs to be faster. Every summer we break records, and we're just burning more coal to keep up. Not sustainable in the long run.
Those solar hour numbers are impressive - 265 GW during daytime! Shows our solar capacity is actually helping. Imagine if we had even more rooftop solar. My society just installed solar panels and our common area electricity bill has dropped by 40%. Every bit helps.
I'm an expat living in Bangalore and this is my first Indian summer. The heat is something else! But seriously impressed with how the power grid is handling the load. Back in the US, we have blackouts during heatwaves sometimes. India seems better prepared than I expected.
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