India’s electricity demand has surged earlier than expected this year, with peak demand touching an all-time high of 256.1 gigawatts (GW) on April 25. (The country followed up with higher records on May 19 and May 20). Nearly one-third of this peak demand was met through renewable energy (RE) sources. While the national grid held up without any shortage during solar hours, the non-solar hours saw a deficit of 2 (4,243 megawatts) on the same day.
Peak demand refers to the highest point of electrical power consumed on a grid over a specific period, typically a 15 minute interval. While peak demand is a single instant, it occurs during 2 to 4 hours of higher-than-average demand or ‘peak demand period’. Summer months may cause longer peaks from late afternoon to evening hours and then during the night due to cooling loads (from air conditioners and coolers). Similarly, winter peaks can last longer in the morning (between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.) and evening (between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.) due to increased heating and lighting loads during these hours, particularly in the northern States.
More About Publication |
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| Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Type | Op-eds/Interviews/Press Releases |
| Contributor | |
| Publisher | The Hindu |
| Related Areas | |
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