As Mumbai grapples with scorching heatwave conditions, the city’s electricity grid faces unprecedented strain, with peak power demand surging to a record 3,973 megawatts (MW) on Monday.
Experts warn that with temperatures continuing to rise, the peak demand may soon breach the 4,000 MW-mark, necessitating proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The sudden 7% increase in peak power demand nationwide this season, compared to the previous summer, has prompted the Centre to extend the operational period of 15 thermal power plants, including Tata Power’s Trombay facility in Mumbai, Adani’s Mundra plants, and JSW’s Ratnagiri units. These plants, which rely on imported coal, will now operate until mid-October instead of the earlier deadline of June, in a bid to meet the escalating demand and maintain grid stability. Despite concerns over potential impact on consumers’ power bills, sources indicate that the extension of operational deadlines for thermal power plants will not directly translate into increased costs for consumers. The move aims to address the growing disparity between electricity demand and supply, as peak power load in the country has surged from 241GW last year to 260GW this summer.
In addition to addressing immediate power supply challenges, energy companies like Tata Power are also prioritising sustainable solutions to meet evolving consumer needs. Tata Power’s electric vehicle charging network, for instance, has facilitated 10 crore green kilometres of drive coverage, catering to public, semi-public, and private transport vehicles. Such initiatives underscore the industry’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impact while meeting growing energy demands. As Mumbai’s peak power demand continues to rise amidst the ongoing heatwave, collaboration between stakeholders in the energy sector is crucial to ensuring robust infrastructure, reliable power supply, and sustainable energy solutions for the city’s residents and businesses alike. By leveraging technological advancements and adopting proactive measures, the energy industry can navigate challenges posed by increasing demand while promoting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
