India meets record 260.45 GW peak power demand during solar hours

New Delhi: As temperatures soar across the country and drive up electricity use, India met a record peak power demand of 260.45 gigawatts during solar hours at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, the Union Power Ministry said.

The new high surpasses the previous peak of 257.37 gigawatts set just a day earlier on Monday, May 18. The ministry said the grid managed the surge successfully, with solar generation playing a key role in meeting daytime demand.

Power consumption typically spikes during heat waves as cooling needs rise across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors.