Peak Power Demand Reaches 240 GW in April Amid Rising Temperatures

India's Peak Power Demand Surges to Seasonal High

India's peak power demand reached a seasonal high of 240 GW on Thursday, driven by intense heat and increased air conditioner usage, according to the latest power ministry data. The country's peak power demand met, the highest supply in a day, was recorded at 240.12 GW on April 23, up from 239.70 GW on April 22, the highest during this summer.

Experts predict that the peak power demand may soon breach the second-highest recorded at 243.27 GW in September 2023, with rising mercury levels and an increase in the intensity of heat waves in the country. The record high of 250 GW of peak power demand was recorded in May 2024, while last year's peak power demand was 242.77 GW, recorded in June 2025.

In the first fortnight of this month, the peak power demand remained lower than the 235.32 GW recorded in April last year. The peak power demand met was recorded at 234.81 GW on April 16 this year, but surged to 238.94 GW the next day. Demand remained almost at the same level of 238.80 GW on April 18, but fell to 225.69 GW on April 19, before rising again to 237.43 GW on April 20.

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Experts are of the view that the demand and consumption of electricity will increase in the remainder of this month due to more frequent use of air-conditioners, air coolers, and other appliances by domestic as well as commercial consumers with rising mercury levels in the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave conditions over major parts of northwest, central, and eastern India till this weekend.

The power ministry has estimated the peak power demand of about 270 GW during the summer season this year, higher than the 277 GW estimate for last year's summer season.