New Delhi, April India’s electricity demand surged to an all-time high of 256.11 GW on Saturday as soaring temperatures across the country drove increased use of cooling appliances in households and commercial establishments, according to data from the Ministry of Power.
The latest peak surpassed the previous record of 252.07 GW set just a day earlier, highlighting the sharp uptick in consumption as the heatwave intensifies. Despite the spike, officials confirmed that power supply remained stable with no outages, supported by adequate generation capacity.
Demand is expected to climb further, with projections indicating a peak of around 270 GW during the ongoing summer season. The recent surge follows a relatively mild start to April, when unseasonal rains temporarily suppressed electricity consumption before temperatures began rising steadily from mid-month.
According to the India Meteorological Department, several regions are witnessing temperatures up to 5°C above normal, signaling escalating heat stress conditions. The agency has forecast an intense heatwave from April to June 2026, particularly across northern, central, and eastern parts of the country.
States including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra are expected to experience prolonged periods of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially exceeding 45°C in some areas. High humidity levels are likely to further aggravate health risks.
Authorities have cautioned that extreme heat conditions could increase incidents of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Citizens have been advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, and wear light, breathable clothing.
The sustained rise in power demand underscores the growing strain on energy infrastructure during extreme weather events, while also highlighting the importance of capacity planning and grid resilience in meeting peak summer loads.
