India's Peak Power Demand Hits Record 252.07 GW

India's peak electricity demand reached a record high of 252.07 gigawatts on April 24, driven by an intensifying heatwave that prompted widespread use of air conditioners, fans and coolers across the country.

The surge marked the highest demand ever recorded, surpassing the previous peak of 250 gigawatts set in May 2024. Data from the power ministry showed the demand hitting 252.07 gigawatts at 3:28 p.m. on Friday, up sharply from 240.12 gigawatts the day before and 239.70 gigawatts on April 22. Earlier in the month, demand had hovered below 235 gigawatts during the first half of April, but it began climbing steadily from mid-month amid rising temperatures in northern, central and eastern regions.

The spike reflects the impact of scorching weather, with temperatures forecast to reach 44 degrees Celsius in Delhi and between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius in states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department issued warnings on April 24 of persistent heatwave conditions over the plains of northwest and central India for the next three to four days, along with warm nights in parts of Haryana, Delhi and Odisha that...