Gujarat Power Demand Surges to 23,633 MW Amid Rising Temperatures in Feb
Gujarat’s electricity demand has soared to an unprecedented 23,633 megawatts (MW) in February 2025, reflecting a sharp 11.22% rise from the 21,248 MW recorded in the same month last year. The surge, driven by an unseasonal rise in temperatures and expanding industrial activity, underscores the state’s growing energy needs. According to data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), this increase continues a four-year trend, with demand rising from 17,374 MW in February 2022 to 19,185 MW in 2023, and further to 21,248 MW in 2024. The primary drivers include an earlier-than-expected rise in temperatures, boosting air-conditioning and refrigeration use across residential and commercial sectors, alongside Gujarat’s thriving manufacturing and chemical industries operating at higher capacities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that temperatures across Gujarat were 4.9°C above normal in February, forcing both households and businesses to increase their cooling requirements. This climate anomaly has placed additional strain on the power grid, particularly in urban areas where energy-intensive industries and growing urban populations have escalated consumption. A senior official from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) stated, “We are witnessing increased power demand earlier than expected this year. Gujarat’s strong industrial activities, combined with rising agricultural and residential energy needs, have contributed to this surge. However, we have taken proactive measures to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.” Despite the soaring demand, the state has successfully managed its electricity supply, preventing major outages due to well-planned transmission networks and diversified energy sources.
From a sustainability perspective, Gujarat’s ability to meet rising energy needs without major disruptions can be attributed to its balanced power generation strategy. The state has made significant strides in renewable energy integration, with solar and wind power playing a crucial role in reducing reliance on conventional thermal power. As industries scale up operations and climate change leads to erratic weather patterns, the importance of sustainable energy solutions is more pronounced than ever. Experts argue that further investments in battery storage, grid modernisation, and demand-side management will be essential in ensuring Gujarat’s energy security. The state government has already been promoting solar rooftop installations and hybrid power projects to optimise electricity consumption patterns.
This sharp rise in electricity demand also highlights critical urban planning and infrastructure challenges. As Gujarat continues to position itself as an industrial powerhouse, policymakers must prioritise energy-efficient urban development. Smart grids, enhanced demand forecasting, and policies incentivising industrial and residential consumers to adopt energy-saving technologies will be crucial in preventing future power crises. Additionally, addressing climate change at a broader level, through heat-resilient urban design and sustainable construction norms, could help mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on electricity consumption. With the state’s economy heavily reliant on continuous energy availability, long-term planning will be key to balancing Gujarat’s ambitious growth with sustainability goals.
