New Delhi: As scorching temperatures persist across many regions of India, New Delhi faces extreme heat with the mercury soaring to 47.5 degrees Celsius in Najafgarh on Sunday, May 19. Numerous cities report temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, prompting residents to rely heavily on cooling appliances such as fans, coolers, and air conditioners for relief.
The surge in electricity demand has reached unprecedented levels. On Friday, the maximum electricity demand or supply during the day peaked at 239.96 gigawatts (GW), marking the highest level recorded so far this summer season. Data from the Power Ministry reveals that Thursday’s demand stood at 236.59 GW, while Wednesday saw a maximum demand of 235.06 GW. Notably, the all-time high of 243.27 GW occurred in September 2023, and experts speculate that this record may be surpassed during the current summer season.
The Power Ministry’s projections for May and June 2024 indicate significant demand. Specifically, they estimated a maximum power demand of 235 GW during the day 225 GW in the evening for May, 240 GW during the day, and 235 GW in the evening for June. However, industry experts believe that May’s electricity demand is already hovering around the 240 GW mark, potentially exceeding the projected levels. The Power Ministry anticipates that the maximum electricity demand this summer season could even reach 260 GW.
Looking back, April 2024 saw a maximum power demand of 224.18 GW as the summer season began across different parts of the country. The preceding months also witnessed substantial demand: 221.82 GW in March, 222.16 GW in February, and 223.51 GW in January. During May, the maximum supply reached 233 GW on May 6 and 233.80 GW on May 21. Comparatively, May of the previous year recorded a maximum supply of 221.42 GW.
As the heatwave persists, authorities closely monitor the electricity grid to ensure stability and meet the escalating demand. Citizens are encouraged to conserve energy during peak hours to mitigate strain on the power infrastructure.
