India's power ministry has asked consumers to use electricity "wisely and judiciously" as a nationwide heatwave pushed peak demand to a record high.
Peak demand reached 270.82GW between 14:00–16:00 India time (08:30-10:30 GMT) on 21 May, surpassing previous highs of 265.44GW on 20 May, 260.45GW on 19 May and 257.37GW on 18 May, according to power ministry. Power consumption has climbed steadily in recent weeks as high temperatures boost cooling demand across large parts of the country.
The system remains prepared to meet summer demand despite the intense heatwave but urged consumers to proactively conserve power, the ministry said late on 22 May. Authorities had earlier projected peak demand of 270-273GW for the summer season.
Strong summer demand, supported by a developing El Niño weather pattern, a weaker monsoon outlook and continued economic growth, is expected to lift electricity consumption this year. Fitch Ratings forecasts demand to grow by 4-5pc in the April 2026–March 2027 fiscal year, rebounding from 0.9pc growth a year earlier.
Temperatures across much of India have exceeded 40-45°C, with meteorological authorities warning that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions may persist. Higher night-time temperatures are increasing round-the-clock cooling demand, adding pressure on the grid.
Power supply has come under strain in some regions, particularly during evening hours when solar output falls. This could exacerbate India's reliance on coal-fired generation, which accounts for the bulk of power output.
Coal-power generation reached 79.87TWh during 1-21 May, up from 76.57TWh a year earlier, according to Central Electricity Authority data. This builds on output growth in April, when coal-power generation rose to 115.94TWh from 113.41TWh a year earlier.
Rising generation has accelerated stock drawdowns at power plants. Combined coal inventories stood at 53.71mn t at end-April, down from 56.7mn t a year earlier and 59.3mn t at end-March. Stocks fell further to 52.41mn t by 16 May and to 50.20mn t as of 23 May, pointing to sustained consumption.
The drawdown could continue if monsoon rainfall remains below normal, denting hydropower output. Forecasts suggest precipitation of around 92pc of the long-term average, which could sustain cooling demand while limiting hydropower output and increasing reliance on coal. The monsoon reached Andaman & Nicobar Islands last week and is expected to make landfall in Kerala.
Stronger coal burn may support coal demand and encourage some generators to seek seaborne supplies. But imports have remained subdued so far this year because of ample domestic availability. India — the world's second-largest coal importer — is estimated to have imported 8.79mn t in 1–21 May, down from 12.24mn t in the same period last year, according to Kpler.
