NEW DELHI: India's peak power demand hit a record 260.5 GW on Tuesday, surpassing the previous high of 257.4 GW recorded a day earlier, as soaring temperatures, heatwave conditions and increased AC usage pushed up consumption.
Record Demand Met Without Shortages
Power ministry officials said the peak demand was recorded at 3:40 pm and met without shortages, with total generation at 263 GW. Thermal power contributed 61.5% of the demand met, while solar and wind contributed 22% and 6.7%, respectively.
Non-Solar Hours Also Set New Record
Officials added that the demand during non-solar hours also touched a record 247.2 GW at 10:29 pm on Monday. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a harsh summer, the government has estimated the peak demand to reach 271 GW.
Preparedness for Rising Demand
A power ministry official said the system was prepared to meet the requirement and distribution companies had tied up with generation firms and strengthened networks to ensure reliable supply. "For two consecutive days, the peak power demand met in the country broke new records. This is in sync with rising temperatures across the country," the official said.
About the Author: Atul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.
