A man walks past the mirages seen at Kartavya Path on a hot summer day, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
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The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi recorded a peak power demand of 7,401 megawatt (MW) on Tuesday due to high temperatures and humidity. This is a record high for the summer season.
As per sources in the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 7,401 MW at 3:11 pm on Tuesday, which is the highest ever. On Monday, the national capital recorded a peak power demand of 7,265 MW, another record high.
Sources said that due to a major cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea, winds are bringing moisture into Delhi which coupled with around 40 Degree Celsius temperature is making the air sultry leading to higher requirement for cooling.
Delhi Discoms—BSES Rajdhani Power (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power (BYPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution (Tata Power-DDL)—successfully met the peak power demand.
BRPL and BYPL successfully met the peak power demand of 3,285 MW and 1,559 MW, respectively in their areas, while Tata Power DDL met its peak demand of 2,178 MW.
BRPL and BYPL supply power to around 50 lakh consumers and roughly 2 crore residents in South, West, East and Central Delhi, whereas Tata Power DDL supplies electricity in North Delhi to around 20 lakh consumers and 90 lakh residents.
Delhi’s peak power demand in the summer months, particularly during late June or early July 2025, is expected to hit 9,000 MW after reaching 8,000 MW for the first time in 2024.
Pan-India demand
The country’s peak power demand during May 2025 is yet to surpass the peak demand (day) during April 2025. India’s peak power demand had hit a record 250 GW during the same month last year.
During May 2025, the highest pan-India peak power demand met during the day was recorded on May 14 at around 230 GW. Evening peak demand was at 221.30 GW with a peak shortage of just 53 MW,, data from Grid India said.
In comparison, peak demand during April 2025 hit a high of 235 GW on April 25, surpassing the maximum peak demand of 224 GW recorded in April 2024, the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) said in an April 2025 power market commentary.
Despite the increase in power demand, the average market clearing price in the Day Ahead Market during April 2025 remained competitive at ₹5.20 per unit, similar to last year, due to increased supply, it added.
The India Meteorological Department in its forecast for May 2025 said that above normal temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except many parts of southern peninsular India and some parts of east India where normal to below normal maximum temperatures are likely. Besides, above normal minimum temperatures were predicted for most parts of the country.
Sources said that power demand has not been rising due to rains and winds in several parts of the country along the west coast adjoining Peninsular India and northeast India. This has brought down to some extent the requirement for cooling.
Besides, even as temperatures are rising leading to more electricity requirements, the prices on power on exchanges have not risen substantially due to better availability.
For instance, the weighted market clearing price in the day ahead market (DAM) segment on May 19 was around ₹4.04 per kWh compared to ₹3.99 per unit on May 18 and ₹4.02 on May 17. Tuesday DAM rates are also in the same range indicating better availability of power.
During May 2025, the prices on DAM have been trading in the range of ₹3.09-5.06 per unit. This is against an average of ₹5.20 per unit during April 2025. DAM is the most traded segment at India’s largest power exchange.
“Looking ahead to FY26, peak power demand is expected to exceed 270 GW. In response to this rising demand, the government has implemented necessary measures, including the mandatory operation of imported coal-based plants, gas- based plants, and better availability of coal. These measures will also enhance sell liquidity on the power exchanges,” IEX said.
Published on May 20, 2025