Chandigarh witnessed an unprecedented power demand of 415 megawatts (MW) on Wednesday, breaking the previous record of 409 MW set in June 2022. The surge in electricity consumption was driven by a severe heatwave that has gripped the region, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.
Record-Breaking Consumption
The UT Electricity Department confirmed that the peak demand was recorded at 3:30 PM. Officials stated that the power supply remained stable despite the record load, thanks to adequate arrangements and proactive measures. The previous highest demand of 409 MW was recorded on June 14, 2022.
Reasons for Spike
The spike in demand is primarily attributed to the widespread use of air conditioners, coolers, and fans as residents seek relief from the scorching heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for the region, with temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days.
Chandigarh's power infrastructure has been under stress during summer months, with demand often crossing 400 MW. The UT administration has been working on strengthening the grid and adding new transformers to handle the load.
Government Advisory
In response to the record demand, the Chandigarh administration has issued an advisory urging residents to adopt energy-saving measures. They recommend setting air conditioners at 24 degrees Celsius, using energy-efficient appliances, and turning off lights and fans when not in use. Commercial establishments have been asked to minimize non-essential electricity usage during peak hours.
Officials also warned against wastage of power and encouraged the use of solar energy to reduce dependence on the grid. The UT electricity department has deployed additional teams to address any faults or outages promptly.
Future Outlook
With the heatwave expected to persist, power demand may continue to rise. The department has assured that it is prepared to meet further increases, with sufficient power purchase agreements in place. However, they emphasized the need for collective efforts to prevent overloading and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid stepping out during peak heat hours. The record demand highlights the growing energy needs of the city and the importance of sustainable practices.
