Tamil Nadu: Heat wave in India leads to 11.55 percent increase in power consumption
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu: India recorded a record increase in electricity consumption in May due to the intense heat wave across the country. According to government data, the country’s total electricity consumption in May 2026 stood at 16,498 crore units, whereas it was 14,789 crore units in the same month last year. Due to this, electricity consumption has increased by 11.55 percent.
Experts say that the main reason for this increase is the increased use of cooling equipment like ACs and fans. Electricity demand reached its highest level for four consecutive days in May. On May 18, the country’s highest electricity demand was recorded at 257.37 GW. After this, it increased to 260.45 GW on 19 May, 265.44 GW on 20 May and 270.82 GW on 21 May.
At the same time last year, the highest demand for electricity was 230.99 GW, while in May 2024 it was 250 GW. Peak electricity demand this summer was estimated by the Union power ministry to reach 270 GW, and this target was surpassed in May itself. Last summer, the peak demand for electricity was recorded at 242.77 GW in June.
Analysts say that this figure shows that electricity consumption is continuously increasing in summer in India. Increase in electricity demand with increasing heat can present challenges to power generation and distribution systems. Experts said there is a need to increase power generation capacity and adopt energy saving measures so that there is no shortage of supply during high demand.
The Power Ministry said that the power distribution companies in the country are already prepared to meet this demand. He said that by improving the power grid capacity and generation planning, any kind of power cut during peak load can be prevented.
This record increase also makes it clear that summer electricity consumption in India is continuously reaching new levels. The power ministry and state energy departments have advised the public to adopt energy saving measures to reduce power consumption at peak times, such as keeping AC temperature at 24-26 degrees, smart use of lighting and electronic appliances.
This data also indicates that the electricity demand pattern in India is changing. Earlier, peak electricity demand in summer was recorded in June and July, but now electricity consumption is reaching its highest level in May itself. This change is important from the perspective of energy management and grid operation.
Overall, electricity consumption increased by 11.55 percent to 16,498 crore units in May this year, which is a new record compared to previous years. The power ministry and experts are working on strategies to control this surge and ensure supply.
