India's peak power demand hits all time high of 270.82 GW amid heatwave

New Delhi: India's peak power demand surged to a new all-time high of 270.82 GW on Thursday, as a severe heat wave drove widespread use of air conditioners and desert coolers across the country.

This also exceeded the Power Ministry's earlier summer projection of 270 GW. Despite the record demand, ministry officials have assured that the system is coping well with the current challenges.

The Ministry confirmed that the demand, recorded at 3:45 PM on May 21, comfortably surpassed the previous day's record of 265.44 GW.

"Today (Thursday) was the 4th consecutive day when the peak power demand (solar hours) reached a new all-time high. At 1545 hours, the peak power demand of 270.82 GW was successfully met," the ministry said in a post on X.

The surge is directly attributed to extreme temperatures, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the continuation of the heat wave in large parts of northwest and central India.

Temperatures have hovered around 45°C in many regions, intensifying power needs from April and particularly in May.

For the past four days, the demand for the electricity has been increasing duento intense heat and consumption from agriculture sector.

Power demand has been met reliably, with Thursday's supply mix comprising thermal power at 62.8%, solar at 22.0%, wind at 5.0%, hydro at 5.8%, and the remainder from other sources.

The ministry stated that coal availability at thermal plants remains adequate, with supplies being closely monitored.

This year summer's demand marks a significant jump from previous years. Last year's peak stood at 242.77 GW in June 2025, below the government's estimate of 277 GW.

In May 2024, demand had reached 250 GW, breaking the then-record of 243.27 GW from September 2023.

The IMD has warned of harsh summer conditions this year, putting pressure on the power grid.