New Delhi, May 21: India’s electricity demand touched a fresh all-time high for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as rising temperatures and heatwave conditions across several regions drove higher use of cooling appliances in households and commercial establishments.
According to the Union Power Ministry, peak electricity demand during solar hours reached a record 265.44 GW at 3:45 pm and was fully met without any supply shortage.
The latest demand level surpassed the previous peak of 260.45 GW recorded on Monday, while an earlier high of 257.37 GW was registered on May 18.
The ministry also said non-solar peak demand reached an all-time high of 247.21 GW at 10:29 pm on May 18, reflecting the highest electricity requirement recorded during non-solar hours.
Officials said the country’s power supply position remains stable despite the sharp rise in consumption, supported by sufficient generation capacity and adequate fuel availability.
The Power Ministry stated that robust operational systems are in place to manage seasonal spikes in electricity demand during the summer months.
Separately, the Coal Ministry said thermal power plants currently hold 50.9 million tonnes of coal inventory.
In addition, Coal India Limited-operated mines have around 123 million tonnes of coal stock, while captive mines hold another 16 million tonnes, ensuring stable fuel availability for power generation.
The ministry said coal movement and supply chains continue to operate smoothly with logistical support from the railways.
The surge in electricity demand comes as several parts of the country face forecasts of above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions.
Minister of State Jitendra Singh urged citizens not to panic over heatwave predictions and advised adherence to basic precautions during the summer season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), above-normal temperatures are likely to prevail across parts of southern, northeastern and northwestern India during May.
The weather agency said heatwave conditions are expected in Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, adjoining Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra, with these regions likely to experience two to four more heatwave days than usual.
The IMD also forecast particularly high temperatures during the second and fourth weeks of May across northwest, central and western India, along with parts of the east coast, although intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms linked to western disturbances may provide temporary relief in some areas.
