India is fully prepared to meet a projected peak power demand of 270 GW during the upcoming summer months, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Thursday. The assurance comes amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, which could lead to increased use of electric appliances such as induction cookers and a rise in electric vehicle consumption across the country.
Speaking at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, the minister said the government closely monitors peak demand—defined as the maximum electricity required at any given time. He noted that India recorded a peak demand of 250 GW in 2024-25. Although the power ministry had projected a higher demand of 270 GW for 2025-26, favourable weather conditions kept consumption below expectations.
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“This time as well, we are fully prepared. If demand reaches up to 270 GW during May-June, we can meet it without any issues,” he said, expressing confidence in the system’s readiness.
Looking ahead, the minister highlighted that electricity demand is set to rise significantly with the expansion of artificial intelligence, data centres and electric vehicles. He estimated that these sectors alone could require an additional 30 GW over the next five to six years, pushing peak demand naturally towards the 300 GW mark.
On infrastructure, he said India aims to develop a transmission network capable of handling 900 GW by 2034. Over the past decade, the country has added 2.09 lakh circuit kilometres to its transmission network, marking a 72 per cent increase. “Our grid is becoming one of the strongest in the world, which will serve us well in the future,” he added.
Earlier this month, Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik also stated that peak demand is expected to hover around 270 GW this summer and assured that the West Asia crisis will not disrupt regular electricity supply.
The Ministry of Power had earlier projected a peak demand of 277 GW for last summer starting April 2025. However, actual peak demand in June 2025 stood at 242.77 GW.
Government data shows that the highest supply recorded last month rose slightly to 243.15 GW, compared to 238.06 GW in February 2025.
India’s peak power demand previously reached an all-time high of around 250 GW in May 2024, surpassing the earlier record of 243.27 GW set in September 2023.
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