Power ministry asks utilities to be on high alert due to rising demand
The power ministry on Tuesday said it has asked all utilities "to maintain a high state of alert and minimise forced outages of equipment" amid heatwave pushing electricity demand, especially in the northern region where Monsoon is yet to arrive.
The country's northern region has been experiencing high electricity demand due to a prevailing heatwave since May 17, 2024, the ministry said in a statement.
Despite these challenging conditions, the ministry said, the highest ever peak demand of 89 GW in the northern region was successfully met on June 17, 2024.
It was made possible by importing 25-30 per cent of the region's power requirement from neighbouring regions, it said.
"All utilities have been advised to maintain a high state of alert and minimise forced outages of equipment," the statement said.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, heatwave conditions in North-West India are expected to abate from June 20.
In response to the increased electricity