Rising temperatures and heatwave conditions across numerous regions spurred higher use of cooling appliances in households and business facilities, causing India’s energy demand to record a fresh all-time high for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.
At 3:45 pm, peak electricity consumption during solar hours reached a record 265.44 GW, which was entirely met without any shortage, according to the Union Power Ministry.
The most recent demand level was higher than the previous record high of 257.37 GW set on May 18, and the prior record high of 260.45 GW recorded on Monday.
According to the government, the highest electricity consumption during non-solar hours was recorded at 10:29 pm on May 18, when non-solar peak demand reached an all-time high of 247.21 GW.
The country’s power supply is stable, according to officials, because there is enough fuel available and enough generation capacity, even if consumption has increased dramatically.
According to the Power Ministry, there are strong operational procedures in place to handle the summertime surges in electrical demand.
On a separate note, thermal power plants have an inventory of 50.9 million tonnes of coal, according to the Coal Ministry.
Furthermore, captive mines contain an additional 16 million metric tonnes of coal, and mines operated by Coal India Limited have a stockpile of around 123 million metric tonnes of coal, guaranteeing a steady supply of fuel for electricity generation.
According to the ministry, the logistical help from the railways is ensuring that coal movement and supply chains continue to run smoothly.
Several regions of the nation are bracing for above-average temperatures and potential heatwave conditions, which has led to an increase in electricity consumption.
The state minister, Jitendra Singh, has told the public not to freak out because of heatwave warnings and to just follow common sense safety measures this summer.
May is projected to see above-normal temperatures in portions of southern, northeastern, and northwest India, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, bordering Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are all predicted to endure two to four extra days of heatwaves than typical, according to the forecast department.
Although some places may see temporary reprieve from the heat due to thunderstorms and showers associated with western disturbances, the IMD predicts that northwest, central, and western India, as well as portions of the east coast, will experience extremely high temperatures throughout the second and fourth weeks of May.
Image Credit: Deccan Chronicle
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