Demand for electricity reached its peak with summer, demand reached record level on May 23

Furthermore, according to estimates from the power ministry, there may be a maximum demand for electricity this summer of 260 GW.

According to data, the peak power demand in April 2024—when the summer season began to arrive in various parts of the nation—was 224.18 GW. In January, it was 223.51 GW, in February, it was 222.16 GW, and in March it was 221.82 GW.

During May, the maximum supply reached 233 GW on 6 May and 233.80 GW on 21 May. In May 2023 it was recorded at 221.42 GW. Last week, the peak power supply reached 229.57 GW on May 18, while it was around 226 GW on May 15, 16 and 17. The maximum supply was 229.77 GW on May 4 and 228.71 GW on May 20.

Industry experts believe power demand could rise further to surpass the all-time high of 243.27 GW recorded in September 2023.

Earlier in March this year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted that India is likely to experience more heat and more heatwave days this year, with El Nino conditions predicted to continue till at least May.

It said that from March to May, the number of heat wave days is likely to be above normal in most parts of the country except Northeast India, the Western Himalayan region, South Western Peninsula, and the West Coast.