Delhi's Peak Power Demand Reaches Summer's Highest at 8,231 MW Amid Heatwave
Delhi recorded its highest peak power demand this summer at 8,231 MW on June 11, 2025, amidst an intense heatwave with temperatures soaring up to 45°C and a heat index reaching 51.9°C. This year's peak demand is anticipated to cross 9,000 MW, surpassing the 2024 record of 8,656 MW. A red alert was issued for the city as it grapples with extreme heat, highlighting the increasing strain on its power infrastructure.
Unpacked:
Delhi is expanding its power generation capacity, especially solar, aiming for 6,000 MW solar capacity by 2025. The government is also upgrading transmission infrastructure and encouraging rooftop solar adoption to improve resilience and reduce dependence on the grid, helping to meet surging demand during extreme weather events.
Delhi’s record demand of 8,231 MW is significant for a single city but much smaller compared to India’s national peak, which reached 241 GW in June 2025. Nationally, India has invested heavily in generation and grid upgrades to ensure sufficient supply, successfully meeting recent record demands without major shortages.
Delhi’s electricity mix includes coal, gas, and increasingly, renewables. The city’s draft solar policy aims to triple solar’s share in its annual electricity demand to 25% by 2025, reflecting a clear policy-driven shift toward renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Extreme heatwaves increase health risks like heatstroke and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations. They also strain power infrastructure, risking blackouts and equipment failure. Sustained high demand can stress transmission lines and substations, making robust grid management and emergency planning essential.