India’s Peak Power Demand Rises, Summer Load Expected To Touch 270 GW

India’s power consumption rose to 131.54 billion units in February 2025, up from 127.34 BU in the same month last year, according to government data. The figures are not totally comparable, as 2024 was a leap year.

Peak power demand met in a single day also increased to 238.14 gigawatts in February 2025, compared to 222 GW in February 2024. The highest-ever peak power demand of around 250 GW was recorded in May 2024, surpassing the previous record of 243.27 GW in September 2023.

The power ministry had earlier estimated peak power demand to reach 260 GW in the summer of 2024. For 2025, government projections indicate that peak demand could rise further to 270 GW.

Experts anticipate a rise in power consumption in March, with the increased use of cooling appliances such as fans, coolers, and air conditioners. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a warmer-than-usual March, with an above-normal number of heatwave days.

IMD’s projections indicate that maximum temperatures in March will likely be higher than normal across most parts of the country, except in some southern regions. This follows India recording its warmest February since 1901, with a mean temperature of 22.04 degrees Celsius—1.34 degrees above the normal of 20.70 degrees.

Looking ahead, IMD expects the March to May 2025 season to witness a higher-than-usual number of heatwave days in most parts of the country, except for northeast India, extreme northern regions, and parts of southwestern and southern Peninsular India. This could further impact power demand in the coming months.