Heatwave fallout: Power demand scales new high, crosses 86-gigawatt mark in North India

Some power shortfalls have been reported across the region owing to local breakdowns caused by overloaded and overheated distribution and transmission networks, including transformers and cables. On paper, there is no shortage of electricity in these states, but on the ground, the situation is different as power outages are reported from different places every day.

In adjoining Haryana, the maximum power demand was 12,336 MW on May 24. The maximum power demand has increased by more than 23 per cent in May this year. The combined supply by Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) this May was 68,390 LU against 50,980 LU in May last year.

As per a report from the Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC), UP experienced its maximum power demand of 29,261 MW on May 28. In Rajasthan, the maximum power demand of 17,460 MW was recorded on May 30. Similarly, Punjab witnessed 14,509 MW demand on May 22, Haryana notched up its highest 12,336 MW demand on May 24, and Delhi hit 8,302 MW on May 29.

“As per the NRLDC data, the maximum energy consumed in northern states in May was 18,900 LU on May 29,” said AIPEF Spokesperson Vinod Gupta.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted isolated rain in several parts of Punjab and Haryana from June 3, which may give some relief from the heatwave and subsequently decrease the power consumption in the region.