In Short : Peak power demand has reached 240 GW, surpassing government estimates a month early. This unexpected rise highlights the growing energy needs and the urgency for robust energy infrastructure and management solutions to meet demand efficiently.
In Detail : New Delhi: The searing heat wave sweeping across most parts of India pushed the peak power demand past Centre’s estimate to hit almost 240 GW (gigawatts) — the highest this year — on Friday and looks set to top the all-time record of 243.2 GW in the absence of any respite over next few days, govt data showed.
The power ministry, earlier this month, projected a daytime peak demand of 235 GW and evening peak of 225 GW for May.For June, the projection is 240 GW during daytime and 235 GW during evenings. Officials feel the country could see a new peak of 260 GW, given met predictions.
An early onset of summer and long spell of unusually high temperatures, which was predicted by various meteorological channels, jacked up demand due to proliferation of cooling appliances, especially air-conditioners, on the back of rising aspirations and spending power of households as well as improved access to electricity.
As reported in Oct last year, International Energy Agency had said India will record highest growth in demand for energy among countries over next three decades, with power consumption for running household ACs alone rising nine-fold by 2050.
