ENVIRONMENT
Running AC all day? India hit a new power record
India’s peak power demand hit a record ~256 GW on Saturday amidst a heatwave.
Maharashtra, followed by UP and Gujarat had the highest power demand, as per data from Grid Controller of India.
Coal plants continued to contribute 71% of power, while solar power contributed 22% at the peak demand on Saturday, as per ToI.
What's in it for you?
- •HIGHER ELECTRICITY BILLS As the heatwave continues, ACs and cooling devices will continue to be required for longer, which could mean higher power bills.
- •POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE? Extreme demand may increase risk of local outages. Some states such as Kerala, Uttarakhand and Haryana had shortages during peak demand, as per data. However, India has enough power generation capacity and met the all-time maximum demand of 250 GW last year, the power ministry had earlier said.
- •COAL RELIANCE CONTINUES Over 70% of power generation comes from coal plants, which are among the most polluting energy sources.
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