India experienced a nearly 9% increase in power consumption, reaching 152.38 billion units (BU) in June 2024, compared to the previous year. This rise was driven by scorching heat, prompting heightened usage of cooling appliances like air conditioners and desert coolers.
The peak power demand also climbed to 245.41 GW, up from 223.29 GW in June 2023, marking a new high. In May 2024, the power demand soared to a record-breaking 250.20 GW, surpassing the previous peak of 243.27 GW achieved in September 2023.
Experts attribute the surge to the hot and humid weather towards the end of the month, exacerbated by the onset of monsoon rains in various parts of the country.
Experts highlight the intense heat and humidity in late June, coupled with the onset of monsoon showers across many regions, compelled people to excessively use cooling appliances. This trend resulted in heightened power consumption and demand. They forecast power demand and consumption would likely remain stable in the upcoming days, primarily due to continued high humidity, which necessitates widespread use of air conditioners.
The Ministry of Power previously forecasted peak power demands of 235 GW during daytime and 225 GW during evening hours for May 2024, and 240 GW during daytime and 235 GW during evening hours for June 2024. Additionally, the ministry estimated that peak power demand could reach 260 GW this summer.
On May 18, 2024, government data revealed India's peak power demand reached 229.6 GW, marking the second highest peak of the season after May 6, 2024, when demand peaked at 233 GW. In comparison, the peak demand for the same month last year was 221 GW, which occurred during cooler-than-expected temperatures.
Peak power demand reached 221.6 GW in March 2024, according to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), 222.1 GW in February, and 222.3 GW in January 2024. Overall for the year, the government projects that peak power demand could reach 260 GW, indicating a 7% year-on-year (YoY) increase.
Thermal power plants contribute 54.8% of the country's electricity, followed by solar power plants at 18.66%, hydro at 10.60%, and wind power at 10.42%, according to data from the National Power Portal. The total installed capacity is 4,42,856.64 MW, with 29,805.09 MW currently under monitoring. Approximately 52,360.97 MW is undergoing maintenance, while 245,734.12 MW is currently online.
