Peak power demand nears record 256 GW for second time on Monday

Indias peak power demand neared record levels for the second consecutive time on Monday, reaching 255.85 GW, driven by intense heat wave conditions that pushed usage of cooling appliances like air conditioners and desert coolers. In the first fortnight of April, the peak power demand met, or the highest supply of electricity in a day, remained lower than the 235.32 GW recorded in April 2025.

India's peak power demand neared record levels for the second consecutive time on Monday, reaching 255.85 GW, driven by intense heat wave conditions that pushed usage of cooling appliances like air conditioners and desert coolers. The surge in power demand, amid severe heatwave conditions across North, Central and Western India, resulted in a significant rise in energy consumption, as users relied on air conditioners and cooling devices to beat the heat. According to the power ministry data, peak power demand was recorded at 255.85 GW (nearly 256GW) on Monday, April 27, 2026. Peak power demand started surging in the second half of this month and touched 252.07 GW on Friday, April 24. It had eclipsed this level on Saturday, April 25, at 256.11 GW. However, the peak power demand moderated to 238.15 GW on Sunday, April 26, down from the record 256 GW the previous day, as most commercial and industrial establishments remained closed. Moreover, dust storms and scattered rains in isolated areas in the country contained the electricity consumption to some extent. According to the Power Ministry data, the peak power demand met, or the highest supply in a day, was 237.21 GW, leaving a shortfall of 0.93 GW on Sunday. Thus, the peak power demand on Sunday was 238.15 GW. Last summer, the peak power demand was 242.77 GW, recorded in June, 2025, but stayed below the government's estimate of 277 GW. In 2024, the peak power demand was 250 GW in May, a record at the time and exceeding the previous all-time peak of 243.27 GW set in September 2023. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected harsh summers this year. Meanwhile, the Centre has asked states and Union Territories to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities and ensure adequate preparedness of ambulance services in view of the expected above-normal heatwave days during the summer season. Experts have opined that power demand will continue to rise, especially in May and June, due to heat waves, which are driving increased use of cooling appliances like air conditioners and desert coolers. Experts stated that peak power demand may soon be around the power ministry's estimate of 270 GW for this summer season, with soaring mercury levels. The country's peak power demand has risen with the temperature in April. The highest electricity supply on April 22 was 239.70 GW, which rose to 240.12 GW on April 23, 2026. In the first fortnight of April, the peak power demand met, or the highest supply of electricity in a day, remained lower than the 235.32 GW recorded in April 2025.