New Delhi witnessed an unprecedented peak power demand soaring to an all-time high of 8,656 MW on Wednesday afternoon, as scorching temperatures from a prolonged heat wave continued to grip the city, confirmed officials from the distribution companies (discoms).
The surge in demand surpassed the previous peak of 8,647 MW recorded just a day earlier, underscoring the strain on the city’s power infrastructure amidst the intense weather conditions. According to real-time data from the State Load Dispatch Centre Delhi, the peak occurred precisely at 15:06:55 hrs on Wednesday. Meteorological records indicated that Tuesday marked the warmest night in 12 years for Delhi, with temperatures settling at 35.2 degrees Celsius, a stark eight degrees above normal seasonal averages. Daytime temperatures soared to a scorching 43.6 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the city’s energy consumption patterns.
Since May 22, 2024, when Delhi first surpassed the 8,000 MW mark, the city has consistently faced peak demands exceeding this threshold on nine occasions. Moreover, officials noted that the peak demand has remained above 7,000 MW continuously for 31 days, reflecting the sustained pressure on the power grid. The surge in electricity usage has predominantly been attributed to heightened air conditioning requirements, which contribute significantly to household and commercial energy costs, accounting for 30-50% of annual expenditures, according to discom reports. To mitigate the strain on power systems and promote energy conservation, discom officials recommended practical measures such as adjusting air conditioner thermostats to 26-27 degrees Celsius during peak hours (2 pm to 4 pm and 10 pm to 12:30 am). They also advised against simultaneous operation of high-energy appliances like air conditioners and washing machines during these periods.
Furthermore, maintaining closed doors in air-conditioned spaces, regular cleaning of air filters, and using ceiling fans to circulate air alongside air conditioners were suggested as effective strategies to optimize cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. In addition to behavioural changes, discoms like BSES highlighted initiatives such as the air conditioner replacement scheme, offering discounts of up to 63% on energy-efficient 5-star rated appliances. This initiative aims to encourage consumers to upgrade to more efficient models, thereby reducing overall electricity demand and costs. As Delhi continues to battle the effects of the prolonged heat wave, concerted efforts towards energy conservation and sustainable cooling practices remain crucial to alleviating strain on the power grid and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
