India's power consumption grew 11.55% year-over-year to 164.98 billion units (BU) in May, as heat wave conditions across the country pushed usage of cooling appliances like air conditioners and desert coolers, according to official data.

The country's total power consumption was 147.89 BU in May 2025. The peak power demand jumped to a record high of 270.82 GW last month from 230.99 GW recorded in May 2025 amid heat wave conditions.

The peak power demand touched an all-time record high for four days in a row in May this year. The peak power demand was at a record high of 257.37 GW on May 18, 260.45 GW on May 19, 265.44 GW on May 20 and 270.82 GW on May 21.

The peak power demand was at a record high of 256.11 GW on April 25. Earlier, the peak power demand had touched an all-time high of about 250 GW in May 2024.

According to the Power Ministry, peak power demand was projected to hit 270 GW in the summer of 2026. Last summer, the peak power demand was 242.77 GW, recorded in June 2025, but stayed below the government's estimate of 277 GW.

Experts said that power demand and consumption will be steady, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected a harsh summer this year.