India has witnessed a record-breaking peak power demand for the fourth consecutive day, with the country's electricity grid managing to meet the surge in consumption. The peak demand touched 234 gigawatts (GW) on Wednesday, surpassing the previous day's high of 230 GW, according to data from the Power Ministry.
Rising Demand Amid Heatwave
The unprecedented demand is being driven by a severe heatwave sweeping across large parts of India, particularly in the northern and central regions. Temperatures have soared above 45 degrees Celsius in several cities, prompting increased use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans. The power demand has been consistently above 230 GW since June 9, when it first crossed the mark.
Government Measures to Meet Demand
The government has taken several steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply. These include maximizing coal production and dispatch, ramping up hydro and gas-based generation, and importing power from neighboring countries. The Power Ministry has also directed states to enforce Section 11 of the Electricity Act, which allows the government to mandate that power plants operate at full capacity.
Despite the high demand, the grid has remained stable, with no major outages reported. The ministry attributed this to proactive planning and coordination between central and state agencies.
Coal Stocks and Power Plants
India's coal-fired power plants, which account for over 70% of the country's electricity generation, have been operating at high capacity. However, coal stocks at many plants have been depleting rapidly. As of Wednesday, the average coal stock at thermal power plants was sufficient for 10 days, down from 12 days a week ago. The government has assured that coal supplies are being prioritized for power generation.
Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, have also contributed to meeting the demand, though their contribution is limited due to seasonal variations. Solar power generation typically dips during the monsoon season, which is yet to set in over most parts of the country.
Impact on Consumers and Industries
The surge in power demand has led to increased electricity tariffs for some consumers, as state distribution companies have been purchasing expensive power from the spot market. Industrial consumers have also faced challenges, with some states imposing load-shedding to manage the demand-supply gap. However, the government has urged states to avoid power cuts and ensure adequate supply to essential services.
Meteorological department forecasts suggest that the heatwave conditions are likely to persist for at least another week, which could further strain the power grid. The Power Ministry has said it is prepared to handle demand up to 240 GW, if needed.
Long-Term Solutions
Experts have called for long-term measures to address India's growing power demand, including investments in energy storage, grid modernization, and demand-side management. The government has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which is expected to reduce dependence on coal and improve grid resilience.
Meanwhile, the record power demand highlights the challenges of ensuring reliable electricity supply in a rapidly growing economy, especially during extreme weather events. The government's immediate focus remains on maintaining supply stability and preventing any major disruptions.
