India's Power Demand Surges to Record 257.37 GW Amid Intense Heat Wave
India's peak power demand hits all-time high of over 257 GW on May 18

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On May 18, 2023, India's peak power demand reached a record 257.37 gigawatts (GW), driven by increased use of cooling devices during a severe heat wave. The previous record of 256.11 GW was set on April 25, 2023. The Power Ministry anticipates further increases in demand as temperatures rise across the country.
- 01The peak power demand of 257.37 GW was recorded at 1542 hours on May 18, 2023.
- 02The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heatwave conditions in northwest and central India, with temperatures nearing 45 degrees Celsius.
- 03Last summer, the peak demand was 242.77 GW, recorded in June 2025, which was below the government's estimate of 277 GW.
- 04Bhatinda in Punjab experienced extreme heat with temperatures hitting 47 degrees Celsius on the same day.
- 05The Power Ministry projects that peak demand could reach 270 GW this summer.
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India's peak power demand surged to an unprecedented 257.37 gigawatts (GW) on May 18, 2023, surpassing the previous record of 256.11 GW set on April 25, 2023. This spike in demand is largely attributed to the increased usage of air conditioning and cooling appliances as a result of extreme heat wave conditions affecting large parts of the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe heat waves, with temperatures in some regions approaching 45 degrees Celsius. For instance, Bhatinda in Punjab recorded a scorching 47 degrees Celsius, while parts of Delhi reached 44 degrees Celsius. The Power Ministry anticipates that peak demand could escalate to 270 GW this summer, reflecting the ongoing trend of rising temperatures and increased electricity consumption. Last summer, the peak demand was 242.77 GW, which was below the government's projection of 277 GW. As the summer progresses, experts predict that electricity consumption will continue to rise, driven by the need for cooling solutions in both residential and commercial sectors.
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The surge in power demand could lead to increased electricity costs and potential strain on the power grid, affecting consumers across India.
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