Soaring mercury levels sends power demand up by 600 MW

The rising temperatures have left Mumbaikars blistering in the heat and demanding for more than 600 megawatts (MW) of power. Sweltering in the heat, Mumbaikars are seeking refuge in air-conditioners and fans thus lifting the demands for more power in the city.

Heat is on: People find various ways to fight the rising temperatures. A man covers his head with a handkerchief while a woman drapes a dupatta over her head as temperatures soar in the city. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

Power experts claim that the soaring mercury levels have led to a rise in demand for electricity across the city. "People have been using their air-conditioners for longer hours to beat the heat, which has increased the load on the power systems," said one expert.

On a normal day, the demand for power in the city is approximately 2,600 MW. However, in the last 10 days, there is a demand for more than 3,200 MW in the city. A Tata power official said that on April 30 - the hottest day - the electricity consumed was 3,148 MW in the city.

Power demands have also increased in the island city. The normal demand has been 700 MW but the heat has caused an increase wherein residents have been demanding for 835 MW of power.

Thankfully Mumbai need not worry about power cuts, as there is sufficient power available to meet the rise in demands. But, a sudden spike will result in overloading the system, added an official.

3,200 MWu00a0The amount of power required currently in the cityu00a0