Heat wave drives Delhi’s peak power demand to new high of 6,916 MW

Delhi experienced a scorching heatwave on Tuesday, resulting in the highest peak power demand of the summer at 6,916 MW, according to officials from the power distribution companies (discoms).

After a relatively quiet period in April and May, Delhi’s power demand has been steadily increasing. On Tuesday at 3:31 pm, the demand reached its peak for the season, surpassing Monday’s peak of 6,532 MW.

The primary contributor to this high power load is the cooling load from air-conditioners, coolers, and fans, accounting for approximately 50% of Delhi’s power demand during the summer.

The punishing heatwave saw temperatures rise above 45 degrees Celsius in several parts of Delhi, as recorded by seven out of the 22 weather stations in the capital.

Last summer, Delhi reached a peak power demand of 7,695 MW, and this year it is expected to reach 8,100 MW, according to officials.

The peak power demand for BRPL and BYPL areas, covered by the discoms, was 2,934 MW and 1,525 MW respectively, as reported by a BSES spokesperson. They stated that the demand was successfully met.

A spokesperson from Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) confirmed that the discom successfully met the peak demand of 2,012 MW on that day.

The discom officials noted that, from May 1 to May 21, Delhi’s peak power demand this year was lower compared to the corresponding days in 2022. However, on May 22 and May 23, the demand was higher by 13% and 14% respectively, compared to last year’s corresponding peak power demand.

The BSES discoms have made preparations to ensure reliable power supply for approximately 20 million residents in south, west, east, and central Delhi.

These arrangements include long-term power purchase agreements and banking arrangements with other states, as stated by the BSES spokesperson. (With inputs from PTI)