New Delhi, April 24 -- India's early and intense summer is already pushing electricity demand towards the highest levels seen during peak summer last year, challenging the country's power system for the weeks ahead. Peak demand has risen to nearly 240 gigawatts (GW) this week amid rising use of cooling appliances, up from about 215GW end March, according to the Grid Controller of India. With the weather bureau warning of sustained above-normal temperatures, demand is seen rising further, raising the likelihood of new records this season. The record high power demand so far is 250GW seen on 30 May 2024. The highest level of the 2025 summer was 242.77GW seen in June. Apex power sector planning body, the Central Electricity Authority, sees India's peak demand at a record level of 271GW this year. For context, in April 2025, the peak demand met was 235GW. India's power consumption growth is historically tied to the weather, with summer heat waves being the biggest driver. Several regions are experiencing temperatures 4-8 degrees Celsius above their seasonal averages, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that northwest, central and parts of eastern India are likely to see above-normal temperatures, with daytime highs crossing 44degC in some parts. The prolonged spell of extreme heat is seen driving increased use of cooling appliances such as air-conditioners, fans, and refrigeration units, leading to a spike in electricity demand. "The rise in power demand is largely driven by higher consumption from industries and office spaces, particularly due to increased use of air-conditioners and lifts, and also homes," said Anil Razdan, former power secretary. Asked about the concerns over the rise in power demand, he said, "If we compare it with last year, we must also account for the capacity added and the number of new connections over the past year before drawing any conclusions." Central Electricity Authority data shows that at end-February, India had installed capacity of 524GW, of which 55.2GW was added in FY26. For the short term, IMD has said heatwave conditions are 'very likely' in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh and Delhi, on 24-25 April, West Uttar Pradesh during 23-25 April, east Uttar Pradesh till 26 April, Rajasthan during 24-26 April, Madhya Pradesh during 23-26, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh during 24-27 April, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to see these conditions on 23 April. "In the coming days, maximum temperatures over northwest India are expected to rise gradually by 3-5degC until 26 April, followed by a decline of around 2-3degC on 27-28 April," said a senior IMD scientist who did not wish to be quoted. "Also, the overall central India, temperatures are likely to increase by 2-4degC until 26 April, with no significant change expected on 27-28 April." Power distribution firms are gearing up to meet the likely demand load, including efforts to tie up more power and storage capacities. An official with Delhi's BSES said both its subsidiaries, BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna, have made power banking arrangements with utilities in other states to meet peak summer demand....