Power demand in Delhi reaches an all-time high of 7,717 MW

Intense summer heat in Delhi pushes power demand to 7,717 MW

Delhi’s peak power consumption reached an all-time high of 7717 MW on May 21 afternoon, amid the extreme summer heat, according to Discom authorities. According to real-time statistics from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) Delhi, the city’s peak demand exceeded all prior records.

It reached 7717 MW at 3.33 pm, they said. Delhi’s previous all-time high peak power demand was recorded at 7,695 MW on June 29, 2022, officials said.

Delhi hit by severe heatwave

Delhi is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures steadily rising. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heat wave conditions in several areas of Delhi, as well as severe heatwave conditions in select locations. It has also issued a red alert for the coming four days.

According to the seven-day prediction, the maximum temperature will be between 44 and 47 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature on Tuesday was 30.7 degrees Celsius, four notches above usual, according to the IMD. The maximum temperature for the day is forecast to be approximately 45 degrees Celsius.

On May 20, the national capital’s power usage reached 7572 MW as the city endured a severe heatwave. The power consumption exceeded the record established in May, which was 7438 MW.

Also read: No respite from heat as temperatures soar in Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Punjab

It was also greater than previous year’s peak electricity consumption of 7,438 MW on August 22. On June 29, 2022, Delhi recorded its all-time high peak electricity demand of 7695 Mega Watts.

As the mercury level in numerous parts of the city exceeded 47 degrees Celsius, the weather agency issued a red alert for the next five days. According to officials, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are predicted to continue in Delhi.

The Delhi government also mandated that any school that have not yet closed for summer vacations do so immediately. The local government’s Directorate of Education issued a circular instructing all schools to observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30 of this academic year.

Other states feel the heat too

In the midst of a severe heatwave, the Punjab government declared summer holidays for all government, aided, and private schools from May 21 to June 30.

Due to the excessive heat, the Directorate of School Education in Jammu has ordered a change in school timings in the division’s summer zones. The new hours, 8 a.m. to noon, went into force on Monday in all government and private (recognized) schools up to the higher secondary level.

The Directorate of Higher Education in Himachal Pradesh also ordered a change in the school timing for places in the lower hills after a heatwave alert was issued for several districts.