New Delhi, May 20: India has witnessed a record surge in power demand for the third consecutive day as severe heat and heatwave conditions grip various parts of the country. The rising temperatures have led to a significant increase in the use of air conditioners, coolers, and other electrical appliances in homes and businesses.
The Ministry of Power reported on social media platform X that the peak power demand reached 265.44 gigawatts at 3:45 PM, surpassing the previous record of 260.45 gigawatts set on Monday at 3:40 PM. Earlier, on May 18, the maximum demand was recorded at 257.37 gigawatts.
Officials noted that despite the rising consumption, the power supply situation remains stable, with sufficient production capacity and fuel reserves available to meet the summer demand. The Ministry emphasized that robust arrangements are in place to handle the seasonal increase in electricity demand.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Coal announced that thermal power plants currently have a stock of 50.9 million tons of coal. Additionally, Coal India Limited’s mines hold approximately 123 million tons of coal, with an extra 16 million tons available from the company’s own mines. The Ministry stated that coal supply is being smoothly managed with the help of the railways.
This increase in power demand comes at a time when above-normal temperatures are expected in several regions. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the public to remain vigilant regarding heatwave warnings and to take necessary precautions during the hot season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of South India, the Northeast, and Northwest India throughout May. The IMD warned that heatwave conditions may persist in areas such as Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra, with two to four additional days of heatwaves expected.
The IMD further indicated that during the second and fourth weeks of May, significantly high temperatures are anticipated in Northwest, Central, and Western India, as well as parts of the eastern coast. However, intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms associated with western disturbances may keep temperatures normal or below average in some regions during the month.
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