India's Power Demand Reaches Record 256GW Amid Heatwaves
India’s peak power demand hits record high of 256GW amid soaring temperatures
Mint
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India's peak power demand hit a record 256GW on Saturday, driven by intense heatwaves across northwest and central regions. This surge follows a previous high of 252GW on Friday, indicating a significant rise in electricity consumption due to increased use of cooling appliances as temperatures soared to 47.4°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh.
- 01Peak power demand reached a record 256GW on Saturday.
- 02Previous high was 252GW on Friday, surpassing 251GW from May 2024.
- 03Intense heatwaves are driving increased electricity consumption.
- 04The Central Electricity Authority projects peak demand may reach 271GW in FY27.
- 0510GW of thermal power plants have deferred maintenance to ensure supply.
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India's peak power demand surged to a historic 256GW on Saturday, driven by extreme heatwaves affecting northwest and central regions. This demand spike follows a previous high of 252GW recorded on Friday, surpassing the earlier record of 251GW set in May 2024. The intense heat has led to widespread use of cooling appliances, with maximum temperatures hitting 47.4°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Experts indicate that this unusually high demand is typically observed during May-June, but the early onset of summer this year has resulted in a significant rise in consumption. The Central Electricity Authority forecasts that peak demand could escalate to 271GW by FY27. Additionally, the shift from cooking gas to electric cookstoves is expected to contribute an additional 27GW to electricity demand. To cope with this surge, power distribution companies are urged to maintain adequate reserves and infrastructure to facilitate electricity procurement from other states as needed. The India Meteorological Department predicts that heatwave conditions will persist in various regions, further exacerbating demand for electricity.
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The surge in power demand may lead to increased electricity prices and potential supply challenges for consumers, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat.
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