Power demand breaks record in Delhi, touches all-time high of 6,260 MW

The sweltering heat and high humidity levels sent Delhi’s power demand soaring to an all-time high of 6,260MW at 3.29 pm on Thursday.

The sweltering heat and high humidity levels sent Delhi’s power demand soaring to an all-time high of 6,260MW at 3.29 pm on Thursday.

The sweltering heat and high humidity levels sent Delhi’s power demand soaring to an all-time high of 6,260MW at 3.29 pm on Thursday.

Less than an hour after the peak, rain lashed Delhi bringing down the temperature and the demand.

“The demand of power in Delhi is almost double the demand of Mumbai and three times the demand of Chennai and Kolkata, respectively. The demand of the entire Northeast is less than half of the demand of Delhi. If the heat and humidity continues to persist, the demand of power may go up to 6,500MW in the current summer,” a Delhi Transco Limited spokesperson said.

The maximum power demand is generally seen between 2 and 4pm and 10 and 11.30pm. Power experts feel the demand can be efficiently met if non-important load is shifted to non-peak hours.

“Simple measures can help. Switch off electrical equipment when not in use. Coolers are effective and consume less electricity. Switch off air conditioners when not in use. Use star-rated, energy-efficient equipment,” he said.

The official said DTL has been upgrading its infrastructure to keep pace with the demand. “With the present infrastructure, Delhi Transco can easily meet demand up to 9,000 MW. But since the discoms are not paying dues, DTL is finding it difficult to expand its network for future requirement as well for day to day maintenance,” he said.

The BSES discoms – BRPL and BYPL – owe more than R2,000 crore to DTL and have not been paying despite directions from the Supreme Court, he said.

A BSES spokesperson said they were under a huge financial stress due to non-liquidation of regulatory assets estimated to be over R16,000 crore as on March 31, 2016.

“As compared to this, dues payable by BSES to DTL are around R2,000 crore. We are awaiting the Supreme Court judgment, which will clear the path for recovery or liquidation of regulatory assets. We are making concerted efforts to address the situation and clear pending dues in a just and equitable manner,” he said.