India’s peak power demand crossed the 260 GW, reaching around 260 GW, according to sector data. The latest peak came a day after demand touched nearly 257 GW, highlighting continued pressure on the country’s electricity system amid elevated demand during September.
Power demand has remained unusually high through the month, staying above 249 GW so far in September. The current levels are significantly higher than those recorded during the corresponding period last year, when peak demand ranged between 198 GW and 211 GW.
Key highlights:
- Peak power demand crossed 260 GW on September 8
- Demand had touched nearly 257 GW a day earlier
- September demand has remained above 249 GW
- Peak demand had earlier reached a record 271 GW on May 27
- Hydro generation has declined amid changing rainfall patterns
The sustained rise in electricity consumption is putting additional pressure on thermal power generation, particularly as hydropower output has weakened. Hydro generation between September 1 and September 8 stood at around 6.04 billion units, registering a decline of approximately 10.3% year-on-year.
The lower hydropower generation comes at a time when power demand is remaining elevated, creating additional requirements from thermal power plants. Around 58 thermal power plants reportedly had critically low coal inventories, raising concerns over fuel availability as the system continues to operate under high demand.
Coal supply measures gather pace:
To strengthen fuel availability, the government and coal companies have stepped up efforts to improve coal production and rake loading. Domestic coal-based power plants had around 23 million tonnes of coal stocks, while coal rake loading increased to 444 rakes a day as of September 6, compared with around 370 rakes a day on September 3.
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has also increased coal production and dispatch as rainfall conditions improved. The company produced around 51.43 million tonnes of coal till September 8, while supplies stood at nearly 55 million tonnes, according to the information cited in the report.
The combination of high electricity demand, weaker hydropower generation and tight coal inventories has increased pressure on thermal generators. With the government pushing to improve fuel availability, the power sector is expected to closely monitor demand and coal stocks in the coming weeks, particularly as seasonal changes could further affect generation and supply.
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