Heat Wave: Delhi’s peak power demand hits record high

A persistent heat wave drove the national capital’s peak power demand to 8,647 MW on Tuesday afternoon, the highest ever for the city, according to discom officials.

The previous highest peak power demand in Delhi was 8,302 MW on May 29 this year. Delhi’s peak power demand first reached 8,000 MW on May 22, 2024.

The extreme heatwave continues to push the city’s power demand higher, reaching 8,647 MW at 3:22 pm on Tuesday, according to the State Load Dispatch Centre, Delhi.

The increased use of air conditioners and coolers due to the relentless heat wave has led to a record rise in power demand in the national capital. Since May 22, Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed 8,000 MW eight times, discom officials said.

“The power demand can be attributed to weather conditions that led residents to use more air conditioning and cooling appliances, pushing electricity consumption. It is estimated that air conditioning can contribute to 30-50 percent of domestic and commercial power consumption,” said a discom official.

The national capital on Tuesday recorded a minimum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season’s average. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 45 degrees Celsius, weather department officials said.  (With inputs from PTI)