Power Demand Soars To 5029 MW As Cooling Appliances Drive Surge, Peak Expected To Reach 9000 MW News24 –

Delhi: The national capital is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in power demand. As the heat intensified, the city recorded 5029 megawatts on Tuesday, April 8, at 3.30 pm. According to reports, it is the highest demand so far in this season. As Delhiites turn to cooling appliances amid the scorching summer, it is predicted that the demand will increase. Experts suggest that the demand may potentially peak at a staggering 9000 MW in the coming days.

The development comes after Delhi reached its highest-ever demand of 8656 MW last year. As the city faces its toughest test yet, efforts are underway by the BSES discoms- BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) to ensure uninterrupted power supply to more than 50 lakh consumers and 2 crore people residing across South, West, East, and Central Delhi.

BSES said in a statement that the preparations include power banking arrangements with several states, advanced forecasting techniques using AI and Machine Learning, etc. It is estimated that the power demand in BRPL’s jurisdiction (South and West Delhi) is expected to soar around 4050 MW, up from 3809 MW in 2024. In BYPL’s area, which includes East and Central Delhi, the peak demand is likely to touch 1900 MW, slightly higher than last year’s 1882 MW. BSES discoms have secured long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and banking arrangements to meet this rising demand.

A major portion of Delhi’s power supply will come from renewable sources, with over 2100 MW of green power ensuring a reliable electricity supply. This includes 888 MW of solar power from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), 500 MW of wind power, 546 MW of hydroelectric power, 40 MW from waste-to-energy projects, and over 160 MW from rooftop solar installations across the city.

To ensure a seamless power supply, BSES has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen its network. In addition to preventive maintenance, the company is using predictive techniques to identify potential faults. “During the year, BSES discoms have strengthened the network and undertook several unique measures to ensure reliable power supply during the summer months. Apart from preventive maintenance, BSES has also done extensive predictive checks to identify hot-spots or to pre-determine potential faults and to take remedial measures.

This is done through thermal scanning, partial discharge measurement, and health assessment of power and distribution transformers. An online load monitoring system is also in place for tracking the power transformers & 11kV feeder load, especially during the summers,” the statement added. Additionally, BRPL is likely to procure up to 1100 MW through bilateral contracts. If any unforeseeable contingency arises, BSES discoms will buy short-term power from the exchange as per requirement.