Power demand peaks at 5,653 MW, outages reported

The power demand in the city on Thursday touched 5,653MW, the highest for this season so far. Many areas also suffered power outages.

The power demand in the city on Thursday touched 5,653MW, the highest for this season so far. Many areas also suffered power outages.

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The highest power demand recorded last year was 5,642MW on July 5, 2012. "The demand is expected to cross 6,000MW this year if it continues to be so hot," said a senior power department official.

"Due to the excessive heat and humidity, the demand for power is increasing day by day. The previous highest demand of this season was 5,315 MW on May 27 and it is increasing by around 8% per annum. The demand in July 2002 was 3,097 MW," the official added

Officials said that power distribution companies were asked to carry out load shedding on a rotational basis of 50MW to 200MW from 11.45am to 4pm to restrict overdrawing from the grid.

Also, outages happened due to constraints in transmission and distribution system as well as due to the heavy storm and rain which lead to many trees and branches falling on power lines, disrupting supply.

Areas such as Paschim Vihar, Pitampura, Rohini, Mundka, Hauz Khas, Najafgarh, Nangloi, Mayur Vihar, Munirka among others faced power cuts. "It is the first time that Delhi's power demand has peaked in June. It usually peaks in July and August," said a senior official.