Record 242 GW Peak Demand Forecast for FY26 as India Minimizes Power Shortfall

A new forecast reveals India’s peak electricity demand climbing to a staggering 242.49 GW in FY26, the highest ever recorded. Remarkably, the gap between demand and supply has hit its lowest point in history, reflecting years of strategic investments in the power sector. The power ministry’s latest estimates highlight how far India has come. In the early 2010s, summer blackouts were common due to deficits exceeding 10%. Today, advanced grid management and surplus capacity have flipped the script. Renewable energy now constitutes over 40% of additions, with wind-solar hybrids optimizing output. Key drivers include booming manufacturing under Make in India, rising air conditioner usage amid hotter summers, and EV charging networks. Supply-side enhancements like ultra-mega power projects and nuclear expansions are ramping up to maintain this equilibrium.