India’s peak electricity demand touched a fresh all-time high of 265.44 GW at 3:45 pm on Wednesday, 20 May, with the Ministry of Power stating that the demand was successfully met during solar hours without any shortage.
The latest figure surpassed Tuesday’s previous record of 260.45 GW, marking the third consecutive day that India’s peak power demand has reached a new high amid rising summer temperatures and heatwave conditions across several parts of the country.
“Today, at 1545 hours, peak power demand (solar hours) of 265.44 GW was successfully met. This represents a new high in peak demand met, surpassing yesterday’s peak demand (solar hours) of 260.45 GW which was also successfully met. This is the 3rd consecutive day of peak power demand reaching a new high,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
India had earlier recorded peak demand levels of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026, 257.37 GW on 18 May 2026, and 260.45 GW on 19 May 2026, with all demand levels met seamlessly without power shortages.
The latest surge in electricity consumption comes as several regions continue to experience extreme heat conditions.
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The India Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for multiple states, while temperatures in parts of north India have crossed 45 degrees Celsius in recent days.
The Ministry of Power has maintained that adequate electricity supply arrangements are in place to handle the rising summer demand.
The country’s projected peak power demand for the ongoing summer season is around 270 GW to 271 GW.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Power had said India successfully met the then-record peak demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April while continuing electricity exports to neighbouring countries.
The ministry had also highlighted growth in electricity consumption driven by the progression of summer conditions across the country.
India is currently the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of electricity, with demand continuing to rise due to increasing urbanisation, industrial activity, air-conditioner usage and expanding electrification.
