New Delhi, April 28: India’s peak electricity demand surged to a record 256.11 GW on Saturday, driven by rising temperatures across the country that boosted usage of air conditioners and cooling appliances, according to data from the Ministry of Power.
The latest peak surpassed the previous high of 252.07 GW recorded a day earlier. Officials said power supply remained stable with no outages, as generation capacity was sufficient to meet the surge in demand.
Demand is expected to climb further, with projections of around 270 GW during the ongoing summer season. The spike follows a relatively mild start to April due to unseasonal rains, with consumption rising sharply since mid-month as temperatures increased.
The India Meteorological Department has reported temperatures up to 5°C above normal in several regions, indicating growing heat stress. It has forecast an intense heatwave from April to June 2026, particularly across northern, central, and eastern parts of the country.
States such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra are likely to face prolonged extreme heat, with temperatures potentially exceeding 45°C. High humidity levels are expected to further aggravate conditions.
Authorities have warned of increased risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Citizens have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, and wear light, breathable clothing.
The sustained rise in electricity demand highlights mounting pressure on power infrastructure during extreme weather conditions, underscoring the need for continued capacity augmentation and grid resilience.
