Delhi recorded its highest peak power demand this summer of 8,423 MW on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

The scorching heatwave continued to grip the Capital on Thursday (June 12, 2025) with the maximum temperature settling at 43.9 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees warmer than normal.

The rising temperature resulted in the city recording its highest peak power demand this summer.

As per the State Load Dispatch Centre, the peak power demand was 8,423 MW at 3.06 p.m. Delhi’s peak power demand had crossed 8,000 MW the previous day.

In 2024, the national capital had recorded an all-time high peak power demand of 8,656 MW, sources in power discoms said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast some relief in the form of rain and thundershowers on Friday. “Very light rain/thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds with a speed of 40-50 kmph, temporarily reaching 60 kmph, can be expected. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settle between 42 and 29 degrees Celsius respectively,” the IMD said.

Taking cognisance of the rise in power demand, Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday held a review meeting with senior officials of the Power Department and all three power distribution companies, directing them to strengthen their infrastructure to address the growing electricity load.

He said considering the weather forecasts for the coming days, power companies must remain prepared for outages due to natural calamities and the response time for restoration must be minimised to ensure uninterrupted and seamless power supply.

Mr. Sood also urged power companies to accelerate efforts in the solar energy sector. “Given Delhi’s rising power demand, it is important to adopt solar energy,” he said.