Delhi’s power demand set to break records as heatwave intensifies

As Delhi NCR gears up for what could be one of the hottest summers in recent years, residents are taking various measures to cope with the extreme heat and anticipated power outages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already warned of a prolonged heatwave across multiple states, including Delhi, with daytime temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius. Following an unusually pleasant spring, the sudden rise in temperature has left many scrambling to prepare before the full force of summer sets in.

Power demand and coping strategies

A new survey conducted by LocalCircles reveals that retailers and manufacturers expect a surge in demand for air conditioners and refrigerators this summer. Supply chain disruptions have led to a shortage of key components such as compressors, driving up prices. Despite these challenges, the industry anticipates double-digit growth in sales as more households prioritise cooling solutions.

According to reports from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), Delhi’s power demand is expected to cross 9,000 MW this year, setting a new record after reaching 8,656 MW in 2024. However, frequent power cuts in various parts of the capital have raised concerns about how the city will cope with rising electricity consumption.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 12,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, found that 39% of respondents plan to service their air conditioners in preparation for summer, while 6% are considering purchasing a new AC despite rising prices. Another 10% plan to invest in inverters or UPS systems to mitigate the impact of power outages. Some households are also budgeting for higher electricity bills, with 10% of respondents stating they are setting aside additional funds for increased power consumption.

However, not all residents are taking active measures to combat the heat. The survey found that 26% of respondents said they would simply endure the high temperatures and power cuts, while 6% were undecided about their plans. Other preparations included purchasing new coolers or fans (3%) and investing in generators (3%) to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

Concerns over power cuts

As air conditioners remain a primary means of staying cool, power outages continue to be a major concern. Authorities are encouraging households to set their ACs at 24 degrees Celsius or higher to prevent excessive electricity consumption and reduce strain on the power grid. If power shortages persist, residents without backup solutions may find themselves struggling through sweltering days and nights.

Health experts have also issued advisories urging residents to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Medical professionals emphasise that while dry heat is preferable to the humid conditions that follow the monsoon, overexposure to high temperatures can be dangerous. They caution against drinking extremely cold beverages immediately after coming in from the sun, as this can cause health complications.

With summer 2025 expected to be longer and harsher, Delhi NCR residents are bracing for what could be a tough season ahead. While many are taking proactive steps to stay cool, power reliability and affordability remain critical factors that will determine how the region weathers the heatwave.