India's Power Consumption Surges Amid Heatwave and Delayed Monsoon

Significant Increase in Power Usage

New Delhi, July 1: In June, India's electricity consumption saw an impressive rise of 11.62%, reaching 166.46 billion units (BU) compared to the same month last year. This increase is attributed to the heatwave conditions and the late arrival of the southwest monsoon, which led to higher usage of cooling devices like air conditioners.

Last June, the total power consumption was recorded at 149.13 BU, while peak power demand surged to 264.76 GW, up from 242.77 GW during the same period in the previous year.

The southwest monsoon made its appearance in Kerala on June 4, 2026, later than the typical June 1 start date.

Experts noted that the slow advancement of the monsoon throughout June extended heatwave conditions in various regions, resulting in increased electricity usage.

They anticipate that power demand will remain stable in July, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a slight deficit in rainfall.

This surge in demand follows a record-setting summer for the power sector, where peak demand reached an unprecedented 270.82 GW on May 21, surpassing last year's figures and maintaining record levels for four consecutive days from May 18 to May 21.

In response to the rising electricity demand, Assam is intensifying its efforts to enhance its power infrastructure, aiming to become an energy-surplus state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that Assam's peak power demand is projected to exceed 3,000 MW this year, prompting the government to expand both generation and storage capabilities while diversifying energy sources.

"We are preparing Assam for its next growth phase by increasing generation and storage capacity and utilizing various energy sources," Sarma stated in a social media update.

The state government has already launched a comprehensive expansion initiative for the power sector, which includes the establishment of 16 new substations, an increase of 6,340 MVA in grid capacity, and the commissioning of 957 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines.

Currently, Assam operates 82 substations with a total grid capacity of 10,000 MVA and a transmission network covering 5,300 circuit kilometers.

Officials indicated that these investments are focused on bolstering transmission infrastructure, enhancing grid reliability, and ensuring a consistent electricity supply to meet the rising demand driven by industrial growth, urbanization, and economic development.

The Union power ministry has projected that peak power demand could reach 270 GW during the summer of 2026.

While last year's demand fell short of the government's estimate of 277 GW, experts believe that electricity consumption is likely to remain high this season due to expectations of a relatively severe summer and below-normal rainfall in certain areas.