Delhi’s power demand touches all-time high amid scorching heatwave

The jump in electricity use can be attributed in large part to the increased use of air conditioning and cooling appliances brought on by the heatwave.

Delhi has seen an extraordinary spike in electricity use as the temperature rises, with May experiencing an all-time high.

The State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC) said on Tuesday afternoon that the city’s power demand reached a record-breaking 7,717 megawatts (MW) at 3:33 PM. This unprecedented demand is only slightly less than the all-time high of 7,695 MW achieved on June 29, 2022, and surpasses the previous May top of 7,438 MW in 2023.

For the nation’s capital, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert due to a prolonged heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 44–47 degrees Celsius. 

Tuesday’s low temperature was 30.7 degrees Celsius, four degrees more than the typical amount for this time of year. DISCOM (DIStribution COMpanies) representatives have given assurances that they are equipped to manage the load even with the increase in demand. Without any notable outages, the three primary distribution firms (DISCOMs), namely Tata Power, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), have effectively fulfilled peak demand in their respective regions. 

In North Delhi, Tata Power fulfilled a high demand of 2,225 MW, while BRPL and BYPL handled needs of 3,404 MW and 1,728 MW, respectively. These distribution companies have highlighted that they are prepared for summer, having made enough arrangements with forward power purchase agreements and network upgrades. It has also been noted how dependent we are on green power, with about 2,100 MW coming from sustainable sources to meet summer demand. Addressing the environmental issues brought on by excessive electricity usage requires a move toward renewable energy.

Delhi’s infrastructure is being put to the test as the city prepares for a summer when power consumption could surpass 8,000 MW for the first time, potentially exceeding 8,200 MW. The government’s initiatives to encourage energy saving and the DISCOMs’ proactive actions are crucial in guaranteeing a steady electricity supply during these trying times. To assist in controlling the total demand, residents are urged to drink plenty of water, shield themselves from the sun when not needed, and use power sparingly. 

To reach its aim of 750MW, Delhi, which now has an installed rooftop capacity of about 208 megawatts (MW), is actively pursuing solar power targets. The development of rooftop solar plants is encouraged under the city’s 2016 Solar Policy, particularly in residential areas.

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