Amid the sweltering heatwave in India, Delhi on Tuesday registered a peak power demand of 8,647 MW, the highest ever in the city as per Discom officials. The power demand in Delhi has made new records this year.
Before the start of the 2024 summer, the highest demand was registered at 7,695 MW on June 29, 2022. But this year saw an increase in power demand of nearly 1,000 MW since then.
Earlier on May 29, the highest peak power demand of Delhi was 8,302 MW this year. Before that, on May 22 this year, Delhi's peak power demand reached 8,000 MW for the first time.
According to the State Load Dispatch Centre, Delhi, the extreme heatwave has continuously pushed the city's power demand northwards, soaring to 8,647 MW at 3:22 pm on Tuesday.
Extensive cooling load
The prominent reason for the rise is the extensive cooling load due to the increased use of air conditioners and coolers during the relentless heatwave has led to a record rise in power demand in the national capital. According to Discom officials, Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed 8,000 MW eight times since May 22.
"The power demand can be attributed to weather conditions that led residents to use more air conditioning and cooling appliances, pushing electricity consumption. It is estimated that air conditioning can contribute to 30-50 per cent of domestic and commercial power consumption," said a Discom official.
IMD issued Red Alert for Tuesday
Notably, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had on Monday issued Red Alert for the national capital for today. The national capital on Tuesday recorded a minimum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 45 degrees Celsius, weather department officials said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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