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El Niño Expected to Lift India’s September Power Demand
India may use a lot of electricity in September because the weather is expected to be hotter.
People use more fans and air conditioners when temperatures and humidity rise.
El Niño can bring hotter conditions and less rain in many places.
Less rain may also reduce the amount of electricity made by hydropower plants.
This could make coal-fired power plants more important.
India used record amounts of electricity in July and August.
Coal stocks at power plants have fallen, while coal production has increased to rebuild supplies.
The International Energy Agency expects India’s coal use to grow in 2026.
Weather agencies expect El Niño to continue through February 2027.
India’s power demand is expected to remain elevated in September 2026 as El Niño brings hotter temperatures and potentially below-normal rainfall.
The country recorded 171 billion units of consumption in July and 169 billion units in August, both monthly records.
Average daytime peak demand reached 254.63 gigawatts during September’s first nine days, while evening demand averaged 231.09 gigawatts.
The International Energy Agency expects India’s coal consumption to rise 4.2% year over year to 1,353 million tonnes in 2026.
Coal stocks at thermal power plants fell from 38 million tonnes at the end of July to 27.14 million tonnes on September 4.
- Who
- India’s electricity consumers, thermal power plants, coal producers, and energy agencies are involved.
- What
- Power demand and coal use are expected to rise in September 2026 amid hotter weather and strong El Niño conditions.
- Where
- Across most parts of India.
- When
- September 2026, following record electricity consumption in July and August; El Niño is forecast to persist through February 2027.
- Why
- Higher temperatures and humidity are increasing cooling demand, while below-normal rainfall could reduce hydropower availability.
Key facts
- July electricity consumption
- 171 billion units, a record high for any month, according to Crisil Intelligence.
- August electricity consumption
- 169 billion units, the highest recorded for August.
- September daytime peak demand
- An average of 254.63 gigawatts during the first nine days.
- September evening peak demand
- An average of 231.09 gigawatts during the first nine days.
- Projected 2026 coal consumption
- 1,353 million tonnes, up 4.2% year over year.
- Thermal power plant coal stocks
- 27.14 million tonnes on September 4, down from 38 million tonnes at the end of July.
- El Niño outlook
- The World Meteorological Organization expects the event to intensify and persist through February 2027.
Quotes
International Energy Agency
International energy agency forecasting the effects of El Nino on India’s coal demand
“El Nino conditions can increase cooling needs while reducing hydropower availability, providing a further boost to coal consumption. Industrial demand also remains strong, underpinned by growth in pig iron, direct reduction of iron (DRI) and cement production, the three largest coal-consuming sectors.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“This month power usage will remain high, albeit not at the levels of July-August. El Nino is not just pushing up maximum and minimum temperatures but also impacting rainfall. So, demand is expected to remain high during the day and night. This will also push up coal consumption.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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