Representational Image New Delhi: India’s peak power demand reached an all-time high of 252 GW on April 24, as temperatures soared across the country, pushing electricity consumption to a record level, reports Atul Mathur.According to data from Grid Controller of India, electricity demand touched 252.1 GW at 3.28 pm on Friday, up from 240.1 GW recorded on April 23, driven by increased use of ACs in both domestic and commercial sectors. The earlier highest-ever demand was registered on May 30, 2024, when it clocked 249.9 GW.Banda hottest on SaturdayWith the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a harsh summer this year, the power ministry has estimated peak power demand at 271 GW. With heatwave conditions gripping major parts of the country, officials said electricity demand and consumption are likely to surge further this month.To put this in perspective, peak power demand in April last year was recorded at 235 GW. Due to milder weather in 2025, peak demand touched the year’s highest level of 242.8 GW on June 12, though the power ministry had projected demand to reach 270 GW. Power demand crossed the 245 GW mark on Jan 9 this year due to intense cold conditions in north and northeast India.As per data compiled by Grid India, electricity consumption remained subdued till April 12 due to mild weather and sporadic spells of rain in north India, but has been steadily rising since April 13.The demand this week proved the grid controller’s forecast wrong, which had estimated a peak of around 240 GW on April 24. For the April 27 – May 3 week, it has projected demand to remain subdued initially but to rise to 246 GW on May 1.Officials said demand may rise further as the IMD has indicated that heatwave conditions may develop in isolated pockets of j&k, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, and central India over the coming days.”These weather conditions will push electricity consumption across the country, and power demand may rise further, setting a new peak in the coming days,” said an official.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosStrait of Hormuz to US Elections: Ex-CJI Maps Shockwave of Global InterconnectionSwati Maliwal Launches Fresh Attack On Kejriwal After BJP Switch Over ‘Rs 100 Cr House’Raghav Chadha Sees 1 Million Drop In Followers After BJP Move, Gen Z ReactsOpposition Moves Fresh Bid to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Levels 9 ChargesAAP Fury Explodes: “Gaddar” Written On Harbhajan Singh’s House After BJP MoveBhagwant Mann Moves President Over AAP Rajya Sabha Exodus, Seeks Action Against 7 MPsRaghav Chadha’s Exit Explained: How 7 MPs Leaving Triggered AAP’s Biggest CrisisHow Raghav Chadha and 6 AAP MPs avoided disqualification under anti-defection lawIndia’s Army Chief Honoured With International Hall Of Fame At US War CollegeRaghav Chadha Blames ‘Sheesh Mahal’ for AAP’s Delhi Poll Defeat, Fresh Attack123PhotostoriesHow to make Malai Kofta for weekend lunch at home10 hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth (You won’t believe)Is 9-karat gold good for jewellery? What you need to knowFrom tiny succulent to thriving beauty: How to grow jade plants the right wayAll about Jennifer Aniston’s lavish houses, the latest one bought for USD 14.8 millionHow to sharpen mixer grinder blades at home’I’m a Celebrity South Africa’: The Jimmy Bullard and Adam Thomas fallout explainedLove or loot? 5 glaring signs your partner is treating you like a human ATMDiabetes: 5 fruits that can be secret weapon against high blood sugar‘Marty Supreme’ to ‘Greenland 2’; English releases of the week on OTT123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap
New Delhi: India’s peak power demand reached an all-time high of 252 GW on April 24, as temperatures soared across the country, pushing electricity consumption to a record level, reports Atul Mathur.According to data from Grid Controller of India, electricity demand touched 252.1 GW at 3.28 pm on Friday, up from 240.1 GW recorded on April 23, driven by increased use of ACs in both domestic and commercial sectors. The earlier highest-ever demand was registered on May 30, 2024, when it clocked 249.9 GW.
Banda hottest on Saturday
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a harsh summer this year, the power ministry has estimated peak power demand at 271 GW. With heatwave conditions gripping major parts of the country, officials said electricity demand and consumption are likely to surge further this month.To put this in perspective, peak power demand in April last year was recorded at 235 GW. Due to milder weather in 2025, peak demand touched the year’s highest level of 242.8 GW on June 12, though the power ministry had projected demand to reach 270 GW. Power demand crossed the 245 GW mark on Jan 9 this year due to intense cold conditions in north and northeast India.As per data compiled by Grid India, electricity consumption remained subdued till April 12 due to mild weather and sporadic spells of rain in north India, but has been steadily rising since April 13.The demand this week proved the grid controller’s forecast wrong, which had estimated a peak of around 240 GW on April 24. For the April 27 – May 3 week, it has projected demand to remain subdued initially but to rise to 246 GW on May 1.Officials said demand may rise further as the IMD has indicated that heatwave conditions may develop in isolated pockets of j&k, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, and central India over the coming days.“These weather conditions will push electricity consumption across the country, and power demand may rise further, setting a new peak in the coming days,” said an official.
