18 June,2024 06:38 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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The ongoing extreme heatwave has driven Delhi's power demand to an all-time high. Data from the State Load Dispatch Centre indicates that at 3:22 PM on Tuesday, the capital's peak power demand reached 8,647 MW, the highest in its history.
On May 22, 2024, Delhi's power demand reached 8,000 MW for the first time, and it has since done so eight more times. The previous record was 7,695 megawatts, set on June 29, 2022. Last year's peak demand totalled 7,438 MW, reported ANI.
According to the ANI report, Tuesday marked the 30th consecutive day that Delhi's peak power demand exceeded 7,000 MW. In contrast, during May 2023, the demand never surpassed 7,000 MW and did so only once in May 2022. Historically, Delhi's power demand typically peaks in late June or early July, but this year the peak has occurred earlier due to the extreme weather conditions.
The increase in electricity consumption is largely attributed to residents using more air conditioning and coolers to cope with the intense heat.
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In response to increased demand, the Ministry of Power has made comprehensive preparations to satisfy the national peak power demand, which is estimated to hit 250 GW this summer. On June 17, 2024, the Northern Region experienced its highest peak demand of 89 GW, which was successfully met despite the heatwave. This was accomplished by utilising inter-regional power imports, which accounted for 25-30 per cent of the overall requirement, the ANI report stated.
Despite the severe weather circumstances, the Ministry's strategic strategy has guaranteed that power is available throughout the region.
Power ministry asks utilities to be on alert
The power ministry on Tuesday said it has asked all utilities "to maintain a high state of alert and minimise forced outages of equipment" amid a heatwave pushing electricity demand, especially in the northern region where the Monsoon is yet to arrive.
"All utilities have been advised to maintain a high state of alert and minimise forced outages of equipment," the statement said.
To meet increased electricity demand and ensure adequate power availability across the country, the Ministry of Power has implemented a series of measures, including directions issued under Section 11 of the Electricity Act of 2003 for ICB (imported coal-based) plants to continue generation support during the high demand period.
During this time, the ministry has instructed power plants to conduct basic planned maintenance.
With PTI inputs
