India’s Power Consumption Rises 4% in April; Peak Demand Hits Record 256 GW
New Delhi, May 1: India’s power consumption increased by 4.04 per cent year-on-year to 153.99 billion units (BU) in April, official data showed, even as electricity demand surged sharply in the latter half of the month due to rising temperatures.
Power demand remained relatively subdued in early April as unseasonal rainfall brought down temperatures in several regions. However, a sustained rise in heat from mid-April led to a sharp increase in electricity usage across residential and commercial sectors.
India’s total power consumption stood at 153.99 BU in April, compared to 148.01 BU in the same month last year.
Peak power demand touched an all-time high of 256.11 GW on April 25, according to data from the power ministry. The surge was attributed to increased use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans amid intensifying heatwave conditions.
The India Meteorological Department reported that temperatures in several regions were more than 5 degrees Celsius above normal levels.
Reactions / Expert View
Officials and analysts said electricity demand is expected to rise further in the coming weeks. The government has projected peak demand to reach around 270 GW during the summer season.
The IMD has also warned of above-normal heatwave days between April and June, particularly across northern, central, and eastern parts of the country.
Analysis
Last year, India recorded a peak demand of 242.77 GW in June, which remained below the projected 277 GW. However, current trends indicate that demand could exceed previous highs if temperatures continue to rise.
At the same time, renewable energy is playing an increasing role in meeting demand. Data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy showed that installed solar capacity crossed 150.26 GW as of March 31, 2026.
The data reflects a steady increase in electricity consumption, with weather conditions emerging as a key driver. With forecasts pointing to a prolonged heatwave, power demand is likely to remain elevated in the coming months.
Our Final Thoughts
This story is fundamentally about data and trends, not narrative or promotion. The numbers clearly indicate how closely India’s power demand is linked to temperature fluctuations. While the increase in solar capacity is significant, the immediate challenge remains managing peak demand during extreme weather. The coming weeks will be critical in testing grid stability as temperatures rise further. For policymakers, the focus will remain on ensuring uninterrupted supply without stress on infrastructure.