Delhi’s power demand has surged to unprecedented levels, setting a new record on Tuesday at 3:33 PM when the peak demand reached 7,717 megawatts (MW).
This figure surpasses the previous high of 7,695MW, recorded in June 2022, according to officials from the state load dispatch centre (SLDC) and distribution companies (discoms). The spike in electricity consumption is attributed to soaring temperatures, driving residents to purchase air coolers and conditioners en masse, particularly at bustling marketplaces like Kamla Market. This trend has been noticeable since last Saturday, with the city’s power demand consistently exceeding 7,000MW. On Monday, a new peak for May was established at 7,572MW, only to be eclipsed hours later by the latest record. Previously, the highest power demand for May was noted on May 19, 2022, at 7,070 MW. The ongoing rise in demand reflects an intense early summer and a growing reliance on air conditioning to combat the heat.
Despite the increased load, Delhi’s discoms have assured residents of their preparedness to handle the surge. The city’s power distribution is primarily managed by three companies: BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) covering south and west Delhi, BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) servicing east and central Delhi, and Tata Power-DDL overseeing north Delhi. BRPL and BYPL reported successfully meeting the peak demands of 3,404MW and 1,728MW in their respective territories. Both discoms are committed to ensuring a steady power supply to their combined customer base of approximately five million consumers, covering an estimated 20 million residents. Tata Power-DDL also confirmed their capability to meet the season’s peak demand, having reached an all-time high of 2,225MW on Tuesday. The company has made comprehensive arrangements to secure 2,500MW through advanced power purchase agreements and contingency plans.
As the mercury continues to climb, the discoms’ ability to maintain reliable power supply will be crucial in managing the city’s energy needs. This record-breaking demand underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and strategic planning in the face of extreme weather conditions. The discoms’ readiness and proactive measures will be pivotal in sustaining the city’s power requirements during the high-demand summer months.
