New Delhi: India’s electricity demand has surged to a record 252.07 gigawatts (GW), driven by soaring temperatures and increased use of cooling appliances, according to data from the Ministry of Power.
The new peak, recorded on April 24, surpasses the previous high of 250 GW set in May 2024. Demand has risen sharply over recent days, climbing from 239.70 GW on April 22 to 240.12 GW on April 23, before hitting the latest record. While the government had projected demand could reach 270 GW this summer, current levels remain below that estimate.
Experts warn that electricity consumption could increase further as heatwave conditions persist. The India Meteorological Department has forecast intense heat across northwest, central, and eastern parts of the country, with even harsher conditions expected in May and June.
India’s power demand has been steadily rising, with earlier peaks recorded at 235.32 GW in April 2025 and 242.77 GW in June 2025. The continued spike is largely attributed to widespread use of air conditioners, coolers, and other electrical appliances by households and businesses.
In addition to weather-related demand, structural factors are also at play. A shift toward electric vehicles, data centres, and even induction-based cooking could significantly add to electricity consumption. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, a move away from LPG to electric cooking—partly due to supply disruptions linked to West Asia tensions—could add 13–27 GW of extra demand at the distribution level.
To meet rising needs, the government plans to add over 22 GW of power generation capacity between April and June. This includes contributions from thermal, solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage projects.
With strong policy backing and increasing consumption, India’s power sector is poised for significant expansion, even as it faces the immediate challenge of managing peak summer demand.
With inputs from IANS