Peak Power Demand Unlikely to Reach Projected 277 GW amid Intermittent Rainfall

27 Aug 2025

Peak power demand is unlikely to reach the projected 277 GW this summer, as intermittent rainfall has decreased the use of cooling appliances like air conditioners, a senior government official recently stated.

"No, I don’t believe the peak power demand will reach that level now. If this kind of rain continues, it is unlikely to do so,” said Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The head of the regulatory body was discussing whether peak power demand would reach the projected level of 277 GW.

The CEA develops both short-term and long-term plans for the advancement of the electricity system and oversees the coordination among various planning agencies. The government has projected a peak power demand of 277 GW for the year 2025-26. Various government sources had anticipated that peak demand would reach 277 GW by September.

Prasad also clarified that the 277 GW figure was not a target but a projection for a scenario of insufficient rainfall. "We had prepared our resources in advance so that, if demand reached that level, we would be fully equipped to meet it."

During this summer season, India experienced a peak power demand of approximately 242 GW. In May 2024, the demand reached an all-time high of 250 GW. The previous record peak demand was 243.27 GW, recorded in September 2023.