Heatwaves Contributing to Major Energy Consumption

India's northern plains experienced a record peak demand for power on Monday as the region endured a prolonged heatwave. According to the government, the peak demand for power reached 89 gigawatts (GW), marking the highest ever for the northern region. This surge in energy consumption has been ongoing since May 17 and has presented significant challenges for the country's power infrastructure.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal temperatures for June in the northwest and central parts of the country, contributing to one of the longest heatwave spells on record. The heatwave has had severe impacts, with nearly 25,000 suspected cases of heat stroke and 56 reported deaths from March to May.

In the national capital, Delhi, temperatures reached around 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit) late Monday afternoon, with the IMD indicating that it felt like 49.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi has faced a persistent water shortage, and temperatures have remained above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) since May 12, with relief expected only after June 26.

To cope with the high power demand, India's power ministry has been importing 25-30% of its energy needs from neighboring regions and has urged utilities to minimize forced outages. This summer, the country has seen a record peak demand of 250 GW nationwide, driven by the increased use of air conditioners and cooling appliances.

Despite the sweltering heat, the IMD anticipates some respite beginning Thursday, although the monsoon season has delivered 20% less rain than usual so far. The government continues to implement various measures to manage the high energy consumption and mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave.