Peak power demand hits record 260.5 GW

NEW DELHI: India’s peak power demand hit a record 260.5 GW on Tuesday, surpassing the previous high of 257.4 GW recorded a day earlier, as soaring temperatures, heatwave conditions and increased AC usage pushed up consumption. Power ministry officials said the peak demand was recorded at 3.40pm and met without shortages, with total generation at 263 GW. Thermal power contributed 61.5% of the demand met, while solar and wind contributed 22% and 6.7%, respectively. Officials added that the demand during non-solar hours also touched a record 247.2 GW at 10.29pm on Monday. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a harsh summer, the govt has estimated the peak demand to reach 271 GW. A power ministry official said the system was prepared to meet the requirement and distribution companies had tied up with generation firms and strengthened networks to ensure reliable supply. “For two consecutive days, the peak power demand met in the country broke new records. This is in sync with rising temperatures across the country,” the official said.