Power demand spikes as Delhi feels the heat

power demand peaked on Friday, a day after the temperature soared to 43.5 degrees Celsius — the highest this season.

On Friday, the peak power consumption in the city touched 5685 MW – the highest ever recorded in April. It was also the highest power demand recorded this year.

Friday’s consumption was 18% more than the peak power demand recorded in April last year, which touched 4797 MW. In March, the demand had crossed the 4000MW mark, a 14% jump from the peak power demand in March 2016.

The Met department has predicted the temperature to rise in the coming days. Friday, however, was cooler than Thursday with the maximum temperature hovering around the 40.2 degrees Celsius mark and the minimum temperature being recorded at 28.9 degrees Celsius.The humidity levels oscillated between 69 and 34 per cent.

The Met department has predicted some rain and squally winds for Saturday and a drop in temperature till Thursday next week.

The maximum and minimum temperatures on Saturday are expected to hover ar ound 40 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively

Power department officials said that the early spike in electricity demand this year meant that the demand may breach the 6,600 MW mark much before July. On Friday, the demand hit 5685 MW at around 3:46pm as the maximum temperature settled at 40.2 degrees Celsius.

Till 2009, Delhi’s power demand during the month of April remained between the 3000 MW and 3690 MW mark. After 2010, the demand during April has consistently crossed 4000 MW mark, with only 2012 being an

AT 6000 MW, DELHI’S POWER DEMAND IS THRICE THAT OF KOLKATA AND 60% MORE THAN MUMBAI

exception.

Delhi, with a population of more than 20 million people, has been recording a consistent rise in the demand for electricity over the years, with the demand touching a record 6,261 MW on June 30 last year.

A sudden spike in demand could also trigger local faults in the supply network.

At 6000 MW, Delhi’s power demand is almost thrice than that of Kolkata, over 60% more than that of Mumbai and four times that of Chennai.

On Thursday next week, the maximum and minimum is expected to be 39 and 24 degrees Celsius respectively, after which it will rise again.