Peak power demand crosses 240 GW in April amid soaring mercury levels
India’s peak power demand surged to a seasonal high of 240 GW on Thursday, driven by intense heat and increased air conditioner usage, according to the latest power ministry data.
The country’s peak power demand met (the highest supply in a day) was recorded a tad higher at 240.12 GW on April 23, up from 239.70 GW on April 22, the highest during this summer.
According to experts, the peak power demand may soon breach the second-highest recorded at 243.27 GW in September 2023, with rising mercury levels and an increase in the intensity of heat waves in the country.
The record high of 250 GW of peak power demand was recorded in May 2024.
Last year, the peak power demand was 242.77 GW, which was recorded in June, 2025.
In the first fortnight of this month, the peak power demand remained lower than the 235.32 GW recorded in April last year.
The peak power demand met, or the highest supply in a day, was recorded at 234.81 GW on April 16 this year, but surged to 238.94 GW the next day.
On April 18, demand remained almost at the same level of 238.80 GW, but fell to 225.69 GW on April 19, before rising again to 237.43 GW on April 20. It had slipped to 236.73 GW on April 21, the data showed.
Experts are of the view that the demand and consumption of electricity will increase in the remainder of this month due to more frequent use of air-conditioners, air coolers, and other appliances by domestic as well as commercial consumers with rising mercury levels in the country.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be heatwave conditions over major parts of northwest, central and eastern India till this weekend.
The peak power demand touched an all-time high of about 250 GW in May 2024. The previous all-time peak demand of 243.27 GW was recorded in September 2023.
During the last summer (April 2025 onwards), the peak power demand reached 242.77 GW in June but stayed below the Government’s estimate of 277 GW.
The power ministry has estimated the peak power demand of about 270 GW during the summer season this year.
