Andhra Pradesh witnessed an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption amid intense summer heat, with the State power grid recording its highest-ever energy demand on May 21.

According to Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (AP-Transco), the State registered a record energy consumption of 288.9 million units (MU) in a single day, while the peak power demand touched an all-time high of 15,016 MW. The evening peak demand was recorded at 12,474 MW.

Officials attributed the sharp rise in consumption to the ongoing heat wave and high humidity conditions that led to heavy usage of air-conditioners, coolers, drinking water systems, and agricultural pump-sets.

Demand surged across domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors simultaneously, placing enormous pressure on the State grid.

However, officials said advance planning and continuous monitoring helped the power sector handle the challenge without any major disruption.

AP-Transco, along with AP-Genco and the DISCOMs, coordinated extensively to maintain grid stability and ensure uninterrupted supply during peak hours.

K. Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, said the achievement reflected the State government’s commitment to providing reliable and quality power supply under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar.

He said additional electricity was procured from short-term power markets, whenever necessary, to meet rising demand. Engineers, system operators and field staff worked round the clock to keep the grid stable and avoid outages during the severe summer conditions.

Power utilities assured consumers that necessary measures were being taken to further strengthen infrastructure and maintain reliable electricity supply throughout the summer season.

Despite temperatures soaring close to 46 degrees Celsius in several districts, power utilities managed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the State.