India Meets Record 256.1 GW Peak Power Demand Without Shortage, Solar Contributes 21.5 Percent
Ministry of Power reported that India met its highest-ever peak power demand of 256.1 GW on April 25, 2026 without any supply shortfall, while continuing electricity exports to neighbouring countries. Renewable energy, particularly solar, made a significant contribution, complemented by hydro and other flexible resources during peak conditions.
April 29, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
This milestone surpasses the previous all-time high of 250 GW recorded on May 30, 2024 and exceeds the peak of 245.4 GW observed on January 9, 2026 during the last financial year, the Ministry said.
The rise in demand is in line with the progression of summer conditions across the country, with electricity consumption witnessing a significant growth of 8.9 percent during the month of April 2026 (April 1-27) over the corresponding period last year.
“The achievement has been supported by record capacity addition of around 65 GW during FY 2025–26, strengthening the overall generation portfolio and enhancing system preparedness to handle high demand conditions. With this we can successfully meet the expected demand of around 270 GW this year,” asserted the Ministry.
It further added that the demand was met through advance resource adequacy planning, optimal scheduling and dispatch of available generation resources, and close real-time coordination among NLDC, RLDCs, SLDCs, and generating stations, supported by efficient utilisation of transmission corridors.
At the time of peak demand, the requirement was met through a diverse portfolio of generation sources, with thermal power contributing the largest share at 174,565 MW (66.9 percent), followed by solar at 56,204 MW (21.5 percent). Hydro (11,422 MW), nuclear (6,293 MW), gas (5,205 MW), and wind (4,897 MW) also played key roles, while storage solutions, including pumped storage and battery systems, contributed marginally.
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