India is grappling with soaring power demand as intense heatwaves scorch the western and northern regions. On May 18, peak power demand surged to an unprecedented 229.6 GW during daytime hours, a remarkable figure for a weekend.
Earlier this month, on May 6, the peak demand reached 233 GW, the highest recorded for the season. Between May 6 and May 18, the peak demand fluctuated between 207 GW and 226 GW. Despite these significant figures, the peak demand has remained within the government’s projected estimate of 235 GW for the month, achievable during daylight hours when solar energy contributions are at their peak. Government data reveals that this heightened demand has been met without any shortfall. Last year, peak demand in May reached 221 GW, influenced by relatively lower temperatures and the absence of severe heatwave conditions. The highest recorded peak demand remains at 243 GW, observed in September of the previous year, driven by insufficient monsoon rainfall.
As the heatwave persists, several parts of the country are expected to continue experiencing extreme temperatures in the coming days. The Ministry of Power has projected peak power demand for May at 235 GW during daytime solar hours and 225 GW during evening hours. For June, the forecast anticipates a demand of 240 GW during solar hours and 235 GW during non-solar hours.
The government remains confident that this demand will be adequately met, citing pre-emptive measures implemented for the summer months. A statement from the ministry earlier this month highlighted the current trends in power generation and the anticipated above-normal monsoon forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as critical factors ensuring sufficient supply. These projections and measures underscore the government’s proactive stance in managing the country’s power requirements amidst challenging climatic conditions. The emphasis on leveraging solar energy during peak daytime hours is particularly notable, reflecting a strategic approach to sustainable energy management.
As India navigates this period of intense demand, the ability to meet these peaks without shortfall demonstrates the robustness of the nation’s power infrastructure and the efficacy of its pre-emptive strategies. The continuation of such trends will be crucial in maintaining stability and preventing disruptions as the summer progresses. According to the India Meteorological Department, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions were observed in parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and in isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh on May 18. In several of these regions, the maximum temperatures hovered around 43-46 degree Celsius, or 2-4 degrees above normal. “The issue is the heatwave is not a one off. It has been prevailing for days which is leading to high electricity demand for cooling,” a government official said.
