Delhi: Extreme heat pushes power demand to an unprecedented high

Delhi: Extreme heatwaves in the national capital led to an unprecedented rise in the power demand to a staggering 8656 MW, setting an all-time high record, surpassing the previous record of 8,647MW, set just last day.

According to data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), at 3:06 PM today, Delhi’s peak power demand reached an unprecedented 8656 MW, the highest ever recorded in the history of the national capital.

“This marks a significant rise from the previous record when Delhi’s peak power demand hit 8000 MW for the first time on May 22, 2024. Since then, the city’s power demand has crossed the 8000 MW mark on nine occasions”, a senior discom official said.

“In response to the surging demand, power distribution companies BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) successfully managed to meet the peak power demands in their respective areas, with BRPL handling 3778 MW and BYPL managing 1886 MW”, he said.

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“Before the records set in 2024, the highest peak power demand in Delhi was 7695 MW, recorded on June 29, 2022. Last year, the peak power demand was slightly lower at 7438 MW. Remarkably, June 19, 2024, marks the 31st consecutive day that Delhi’s peak power demand has exceeded 7000 MW. This is a stark contrast to previous years, as in May 2023, the demand never crossed 7000 MW, and in May 2022, it crossed 7000 MW only once”, a senior discoms official stated.

Sharing the tips for the energy consumption, sources in the discoms said that the air conditioning accounts for a whopping 30-50 percent of a household’s or business’s annual energy costs. “By increasing the temperature setting on your AC by just 1°C, you could slash your electricity consumption by approximately 6 percent,” they said.

“Due to the extraordinary heat-wave and consequently unprecedented power demand, the power systems are under stress. Even though they have been able to take the extreme power load, it is advisable that consumers should use the AC thermostat at 26-27 °C for comfortable and cost-effective cooling during the peak hours – 2 pm-4 pm and 10 pm-12:30 am”, sources appealed.

“Increasing the AC temperature by 1 degree Celsius reduces electricity consumption by 6%, so set your AC thermostat at 24°C for comfortable and cost-effective cooling. Judicial use of electrical equipment like ACs, especially during peak hours (2 PM to 4 PM and 10 PM to 12 Midnight), can optimize comfort and maximize savings. Avoid using high-energy gadgets like ACs and washing machines together during peak hours, and keep air-conditioned room doors closed to retain cool air. Clean your AC filter monthly for efficient functioning, use ceiling fans to circulate air and reduce the AC’s workload, and line windows and walls with plants and curtains to block sunlight and insulate the room.”

“Turn off the AC when leaving for extended periods to reduce energy consumption. Implementing cool roofs can significantly reduce air conditioning costs. Choose energy-efficient appliances with Energy Star labels, use natural light during the day to reduce energy consumption, and unplug electronics when not in use, as they can still consume energy in standby mode.”

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According to a senior BSES official, BRPL and BYPL have launched a limited-period ‘AC Replacement Scheme’ in partnership with leading air conditioner manufacturers. “This initiative will help domestic consumers in South, West, East, and Central Delhi replace their old ACs with new, energy-efficient 5-star ACs, including next-generation inverter technology models, at discounts of up to 63% off the MRP. Under the scheme, around 40 window and split ACs from leading brands like LG, Bluestar, Godrej, Voltas, and Lloyd are on offer on a first-come, first-serve basis. Domestic consumers residing in South, West, East, and Central Delhi are eligible to exchange a maximum of 3 ACs against a unique CA number,” he said.

“To avail of the scheme, an eligible BRPL consumer residing in South and West Delhi must call BRPL’s helpline number 19123 or register on the website. A BYPL consumer residing in East and Central Delhi, on the other hand, must call 011-40746103 or visit the discom’s website. They will be contacted by the respective officials of the AC company through their empanelled vendors to take the enquiry forward after registration.,” BSES official added.