New Delhi, May 1: According to official data, India’s power consumption saw a modest increase of 4.04% in April, reaching 153.99 billion units (BU). However, the demand for electricity was slightly subdued in the first half of the month due to unseasonal rainfall, which kept temperatures lower. In April 2025, the total power consumption in the country was 148.01 billion units.
On April 25, the maximum power demand reached a record level of 256.11 gigawatts (GW), driven by rising temperatures across the country, leading to increased use of air conditioners and other cooling devices in homes and businesses.
Experts predict that the maximum power demand will continue to rise in the coming months. The Ministry of Power estimates that this summer, demand could reach up to 270 gigawatts. The increase in power consumption has been consistent since mid-April due to rising temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department has reported that temperatures in several regions have risen by 5 degrees Celsius or more above normal, creating heat stress conditions in many parts of the country. Last summer, the maximum power demand was recorded at 242.77 gigawatts in June 2025, although this was lower than the government’s estimate of 277 gigawatts.
Experts indicate that power demand and consumption will further increase in May, as the India Meteorological Department has forecasted intense heat this year.
Solar energy is rapidly becoming a crucial part of India’s power system, helping to meet the rising demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as of March 31, 2026, India’s total installed solar capacity has exceeded 150.26 gigawatts, marking one of the fastest expansions in the energy sector.
This growth is attributed to the record number of new solar projects added during the financial year 2025-26, making solar energy the fastest-growing energy source in the country.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued warnings for severe heatwaves across the country between April and June 2026. Northern India’s Gangetic plains, central India, and eastern coastal states may experience more heatwave days than usual, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in some areas, posing additional risks due to high humidity.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
