New Delhi, June 1: India experienced a significant increase in electricity consumption in May 2026 due to extreme heat and heatwaves. Official data shows that electricity usage rose by 11.55% year-on-year, reaching 164.98 billion units (BU). The rising use of cooling devices such as air conditioners and desert coolers has greatly boosted electricity demand.
According to the statistics, electricity consumption in May 2025 was 147.89 billion units. The peak power demand during May also hit a record high, reaching 270.82 gigawatts (GW), compared to 230.99 GW recorded in the same month last year.
This increase indicates a rapid rise in electricity consumption in homes and businesses due to the extreme heat, putting additional pressure on the power grid. New peak power demand records were set for four consecutive days in May. On May 18, it reached 257.37 GW, which rose to 260.45 GW on May 19. The demand further climbed to 265.44 GW on May 20 and peaked at a record 270.82 GW on May 21.
Earlier this year, the highest electricity demand was recorded at 256.11 GW on April 25. The latest figures have also surpassed the previous all-time high of approximately 250 GW recorded in May 2024. This achievement aligns with the Ministry of Power’s estimate that the country’s maximum electricity demand could reach 270 GW during the summer of 2026.
In comparison, the highest electricity demand last summer was recorded at 242.77 GW in June 2025, which was below the government’s projected level of 277 GW. Industry experts believe that electricity demand and consumption may remain elevated in the coming weeks, as temperatures are expected to stay above normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a harsh summer this year. As a result, consumers are likely to continue using air conditioners, coolers, and other cooling devices, keeping electricity consumption robust.
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