The unabated heatwave in the national Capital continues to push power demand to newer highs, as Delhi’s peak electricity demand on Friday clocked 6,197 Mega Watt (MW), for the second day in a row. The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC)’s real time data showed that the city’s peak power demand clocked 6,197 MW, an increase of over 38 per cent from April 1, at 3:31 pm on Friday.  Sources said that Delhi’s peak power demand increased by 7.1 per cent in just 48 hours. The IMD has said that the heatwave would persist in several regions, including Delhi, resulting in increased electricity consumption.

In light of the situation, Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain held an emergency meeting with department officials on Friday to examine the situation. Later, he wrote to the Centre asking it to ensure enough coal availability for power plants. The Delhi administration has cautioned residents of a likely disruption in electricity to Metro trains and hospitals due to heavy demand and a severe coal scarcity.

"There may be an issue in 24-hour power supply to various significant institutions, including Delhi Metro and Delhi Government hospitals, due to disruption of power supply from Dadri-II and Unchahar power stations," Jain said in his letter.

According to sources, “The Capital’s peak power demand has increased by 7.1 per cent in just 48 hours and it has gone up by over 38 per cent from April 1, 2022, when it clocked 4,469 MW. On six occasions in April this year, Delhi’s peak power demand has clocked the highest-ever in April, each breaking the previous record in quick succession.”

“In 28 days of April, the peak power demand has been higher on 100 per cent of the corresponding days than that of April 2021. In the first 28 days of April, Delhi’s peak power demand had clocked 4,372 MW in 2021 and 5,552 MW in 2019,” sources said.

“Delhi’s peak power demand had breached the 7,000 MW mark for the first time – peaking at 7,016 MW in 2018. This expected peak power demand of around 8,200 MW is an increase of around 285 per cent over the peak power demand of 2,879 MW in 2002,” sources added.

Moreover, on six occasions in April this year, Delhi's peak power demand clocked the highest ever in the month, each breaking the previous record in quick succession.  On April 19, it was 5,735 MW, 5,761 MW on April 20, 5,781 MW on August 21, 5,786 MW on April 27, 6,050 MW on April 28 and 6,197 on April 29.