India's Power Consumption Surge Amid Unseasonal Rains and Rising Temperatures

India experienced a 4.04% growth in power consumption in April due to rising temperatures, despite unseasonal rains initially reducing demand. Peak demand reached a record 256.11 GW, foreseen to increase with heat waves predicted until the Monsoon's arrival in June. Future consumption is set to rise.

India's power consumption recorded a 4.04% increase in April, totalling 153.99 billion units, as per official reports. This rise comes in spite of unseasonal rains that initially dampened demand in the month's first half.

The increase in temperature later in the month, with resulting heat wave conditions, drove peak power demand to an unprecedented 256.11 GW last month, up from 235.32 GW in April 2025. The record-breaking peak is projected to reach 270 GW in the summer of 2026, according to the power ministry.

Experts anticipate that power consumption will climb from May onwards, following predictions of a harsh summer from the India Meteorological Department. The use of cooling appliances was less than expected in early April due to unseasonal rains, but heat wave conditions are expected to extend until Monsoon's June arrival on the Kerala coast.