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India's August Power Demand Hits Record 258 GW Amid Heat
India used more electricity in August 2026 than ever before for that month.
The main reason was unusually hot weather.
August was the warmest August recorded in India since weather records began.
Hot nights and high humidity made people use air conditioners, coolers and other devices for longer.
Total electricity use also increased by nearly 13% from the previous year.
At the same time, many coal-fired power plants had low coal supplies.
Fifty-one plants had critically low stocks, with enough coal for about nine days.
Officials say India needs enough fuel, power stations and transmission capacity to keep electricity available when demand is high.
India’s peak power demand reached a record 258.27 GW in August 2026, up 12.4% from August 2025.
The India Meteorological Department said August was the country’s warmest on record, with an average temperature of 28.01°C.
Electricity consumption rose 12.85% year-on-year to 169.01 billion units as households and businesses used cooling equipment for longer.
Coal stocks were critically low at 51 thermal power plants, providing about 9.3 days of coverage as of August 31.
August’s peak demand was below India’s all-time high of 270.82 GW, recorded in May 2026.
- Who
- India’s households, businesses, power producers and grid operators were affected; data was reported by the National Load Despatch Centre, India Meteorological Department and Central Electricity Authority.
- What
- India’s August peak power demand reached 258.27 GW, while electricity consumption rose to 169.01 billion units.
- Where
- Across India.
- When
- August 2026, with coal-stock data recorded on August 31.
- Why
- Extreme heat, unusually warm nights and higher humidity increased demand for air conditioners, coolers and other cooling equipment.
Key facts
- August peak demand
- 258.27 GW in 2026
- Year-on-year demand increase
- 12.4% compared with August 2025
- August average temperature
- 28.01°C, or 0.67°C above the 1991–2020 average
- Electricity consumption
- 169.01 billion units, up 12.85% year-on-year
- Critically low-stock plants
- 51 thermal power plants as of August 31
- Coal coverage
- About 9.3 days, with stocks at 47.8% of the required level
- All-time peak demand
- 270.82 GW, recorded in May 2026
Sources
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