December power demand in Delhi crosses 5,000 MW mark for first time

The plummeting temperatures in Delhi have pushed power demand to unprecedented levels, with December recording a peak of 5,213 MW—the highest ever for the month, according to discom officials on Monday.

For the first time in Delhi’s history, the peak power demand in December has surpassed 5,000 MW. Data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) shows that power demand reached 5,213 MW at 10:50 AM on Tuesday, following 5,046 MW on Monday.

In comparison, Delhi’s peak power demand in December was 4,884 MW in 2023 and 4,964 MW in 2022, officials noted.

This winter is expected to follow the record-breaking summer trend, which saw an unprecedented peak power demand of 8,656 MW earlier this year. Officials predict the capital’s winter peak power demand could exceed 6,300 MW.

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A BSES spokesperson highlighted that green energy would account for up to 53% of the over 3,900 MW peak power demand in areas served by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL). Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools are also being utilised for precise forecasting to manage the increasing winter demand.

So far, BRPL and BYPL have successfully handled peak winter power demands of 2,194 MW and 1,038 MW, respectively, in their areas. Last winter, Delhi’s peak power demand reached 5,816 MW on January 22, marking the highest recorded level during the winter months.

This year, peak demand in BRPL and BYPL areas is projected to exceed 2,600 MW and 1,240 MW, respectively, according to officials.

(With inputs from PTI)