Delhi’s electricity consumption reached an unprecedented peak of 7,717 MW on Tuesday afternoon, marking the highest demand ever recorded in the city. This surge occurred amidst an intense heatwave, pushing residents to maximize their use of air conditioning and cooling devices, according to Discom officials.
The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) of Delhi provided real-time data, confirming the new record set at 3:33 PM, surpassing the previous peak of 7,695 MW recorded on June 29, 2022. The national capital’s rising temperatures, consistently soaring, have significantly contributed to this spike in electricity demand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, predicting heatwave conditions across various parts of the city, with some areas facing severe heatwave conditions.
IMD’s seven-day forecast indicates that Delhi’s maximum temperatures will fluctuate between 44 to 47 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, the minimum temperature settled at 30.7 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above the normal range. The day’s maximum temperature was expected to hover around 45 degrees Celsius, further intensifying the demand for electricity.
Discom officials project that Delhi’s peak power demand might surpass 8,000 MW this summer, potentially reaching around 8,200 MW. This follows Monday’s peak power demand of 7,572 MW, setting a new record for May. The previous record for May’s peak demand was 7,438 MW, noted in 2023.
A spokesperson from BSES discoms, BRPL, and BYPL, confirmed that the peak demand was successfully met in their respective distribution areas. BRPL managed a peak demand of 3,404 MW, while BYPL handled 1,728 MW. The spokesperson highlighted that BSES has made extensive preparations to meet the increasing power demand through power purchase agreements and network enhancements, supported by substantial investments. Additionally, around 2,100 MW of green power will play a crucial role in sustaining Delhi’s power supply during the summer months.
Similarly, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) efficiently managed a peak demand of 2,225 MW in its North Delhi distribution area, without experiencing any outages or network issues, according to a TPDDL spokesperson.
The surging power demand can largely be attributed to the extreme weather conditions, compelling residents to rely heavily on air conditioning and cooling appliances. Discom officials pointed out that air conditioning alone can account for 30-50 percent of the total annual energy consumption in both domestic and commercial settings.
In response to these challenges, Discoms have implemented various measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply. These include advanced power purchase agreements and continuous investment in infrastructure improvements to handle the soaring electricity demands. As Delhi braces for more days of extreme heat, the city’s power providers remain vigilant and prepared to tackle the rising consumption needs.
The unprecedented power demand underscores the critical need for sustainable energy solutions and efficient energy consumption practices. As Delhi’s temperatures continue to rise, the emphasis on green power and robust infrastructure becomes ever more essential to ensure that the city remains powered and resilient against the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions.
