India’s peak power demand hits record 270.82 GW amid heatwave

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 22, 2026: India’s peak power demand touched a record 270.82 GW on Thursday as intense heatwave conditions across several parts of the country led to a sharp rise in the use of air conditioners and coolers.

The demand, recorded at 3:45 pm on May 21, surpassed the previous day’s all-time high of 265.44 GW and exceeded the Power Ministry’s earlier summer projection of 270 GW.

According to the ministry, this was the fourth consecutive day that the country registered a new peak power demand record during solar hours.

“Today (Thursday) at 1545 hours, the peak power demand of 270.82 GW was successfully met,” the ministry said in a post on X, adding that the power system has been handling the growing demand efficiently.

The surge in electricity consumption has been driven by extreme temperatures across northwest and central India, where mercury levels have hovered around 45 degrees Celsius in many areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continuation of the heatwave in the coming days.

Officials said power demand has also risen due to increased electricity consumption in the agriculture sector.

Despite the record demand, the ministry said supply remained stable, with thermal power contributing 62.8 per cent of the electricity mix, followed by solar at 22 per cent, wind at 5 per cent and hydro at 5.8 per cent.

The ministry also assured that coal stocks at thermal power plants remain sufficient and are being closely monitored.

India’s power demand has seen a sharp rise in recent years. The previous peak of 242.77 GW was recorded in June 2025, while demand had touched 250 GW in May 2024, surpassing the earlier record of 243.27 GW set in September 2023.

The IMD has already warned of a harsh summer this year, raising concerns over increased pressure on the national power grid.