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India's Power Grid Faces Evening Shortages as Demand Surges
India is using much more electricity than it did last year.
Demand rose especially during September evenings, when people use power but solar panels stop producing electricity.
On September 9, the country was short of as much as 7.7 gigawatts of power.
Hydropower has also been weaker this year, making evenings more difficult for the grid.
Coal plants are important because they can produce power after sunset.
However, many plants have only about eight days of coal available.
Renewable power is growing quickly, but the report says batteries or other storage may be needed to keep electricity available when the sun is gone.
Power demand rose 14.5% year-on-year during the first 20 days of September 2026, following a 12.8% increase in August.
Peak demand climbed from about 258 gigawatts in August to 269 gigawatts in September.
An evening power shortage of up to 7.7 gigawatts was recorded on September 9, equivalent to about 3% of demand.
Power-plant coal stocks fell to roughly 24 million tonnes, or about eight days of inventory, with nearly 40% of thermal plants critically low.
Renewable generation increased about 39% year-on-year in August, while the Central Electricity Authority proposed storage requirements for new renewable projects from July 2027.
- Who
- India's power system, power plants, renewable generators, the Central Electricity Authority, and electricity consumers.
- What
- Electricity demand increased sharply, contributing to an evening shortage of up to 7.7 gigawatts and pressure on coal supplies.
- Where
- Across India's electricity grid, with especially strong demand growth reported in Karnataka and Punjab.
- When
- Demand rose during the first 20 days of September 2026; the reported peak shortage occurred on September 9.
- Why
- Demand is rising while solar generation falls after sunset, hydropower remains weak, and monsoon conditions have reduced domestic coal production.
Key facts
- September demand growth
- 14.5% year-on-year during the first 20 days of September 2026
- August demand growth
- 12.8% year-on-year
- September peak demand
- About 269 gigawatts
- Maximum reported shortage
- Up to 7.7 gigawatts on September 9
- Coal inventory
- About 24 million tonnes, equivalent to roughly eight days of supply as of September 13
- Renewable generation growth
- About 39% year-on-year in August
- Proposed storage rule
- New renewable projects commissioned from July 1, 2027, would need storage equal to at least 10% of installed capacity, with a minimum two-hour duration
Quotes
HSBC report
Brokerage research report discussing India’s electricity supply and demand.
“hydro generation remains weak this year, contributing to evening stress in the absence of solar.”
financialexpress.com
“Power demand growth remained robust in the first 20 days of September”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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