India witnessed a rise in electricity consumption as several parts of the country continued to experience elevated temperatures during an ongoing heatwave.
The Ministry of Power stated that India recorded a peak power demand of 270.82 gigawatts (GW) at 3:45 pm on Thursday.
The latest figure exceeded the previous day’s peak demand level of 265.44 GW. According to the ministry, this marked the fourth consecutive day that the country recorded a new high in peak electricity demand during solar hours.
The rise in consumption coincided with continuing heatwave conditions across multiple states.
Large parts of northern and central India continued to report elevated temperatures during the week.
In New Delhi, temperatures touched 45.3 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, contributing to higher electricity usage from cooling appliances and commercial demand.
The India Meteorological Department stated that Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded one of the highest temperatures in the country at 47.6 degrees Celsius. Earlier in the week, temperatures in some regions had crossed 48 degrees Celsius.
India’s highest officially recorded temperature remains 51 degrees Celsius, measured in Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016.
Coal-based thermal power remained the primary source of electricity generation during the period.
According to the ministry, thermal power contributed around 62% of the country’s electricity generation mix during the peak demand period.
Solar energy accounted for approximately 22% of generation, while wind and hydropower each contributed around 5%. The remaining share came from other energy sources.
The figures reflect India’s continued dependence on conventional energy sources alongside expanding renewable capacity.
India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 as part of its long-term climate goals.
At the same time, the country continues to rely significantly on coal to meet growing electricity requirements driven by industrial activity, urbanisation and seasonal weather conditions.
The recent increase in power demand highlights the balancing challenge between ensuring reliable electricity supply and expanding cleaner energy infrastructure.
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India recorded a fresh peak in electricity demand amid persistent heatwave conditions across several regions. While renewable energy sources contributed to supply, thermal power continued to account for the largest share of electricity generation during the period.
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Published on: May 22, 2026, 2:50 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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