At 8,647 MW, Delhi's power demand touches all-time high

Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 8000 MW for the first time on May 22.

The extreme heatwave continues to push Delhi's power demand. According to the State Load Dispatch Centre data, at 3.22 PM on Tuesday, Delhi's peak power demand clocked 8,647 MW. It is the highest ever in the history of the national capital.

"Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 8000 MW for the first time on May 22, 2024. Since then, Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed 8000 MW on 8 occasions. On their part, BRPL and BYPL successfully met the peak power demand in their respective areas," DISCOM officials.

The cooling load due to the increased use of air conditioners and coolers amid the relentless heat wave has led to a record rise in power demand in the national capital. Since May 22, Delhi's peak power demand has crossed 8,000 MW eight times so far, added officials.

According to a discom official, air cooling can account for between 30 and 50 percent of residential and commercial power use.

The previous highest peak power demand of Delhi was 8,302 MW on May 29 this year. Delhi's peak power demand reached 8,000 MW for the first time on May 22, 2024, they said.

The national capital saw a minimum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, which is six degrees warmer than the norm for the season. The highest temperature is anticipated to hover around 45 degrees Celsius, according to meteorological service authorities.