New Delhi, Jul 3 (KNN) India's peak power demand is expected to surpass previous projections, potentially exceeding 400 gigawatts (GW) by 2031-32, according to Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal.

This forecast, shared at the CII-Smart Metering Conference on July 2, represents a significant increase from the earlier projected 384 GW mark.

Agarwal noted that peak power demand had already reached 250 GW in May, highlighting the rapid growth in energy consumption.

"The way power demand has grown in some states in the last two years, the demand will touch 384 GW and may easily cross 400 GW by 2031-32," he stated.

To meet this anticipated demand, Agarwal emphasised the need for an installed power generation capacity of 900 GW.

The government's initial projection for this year's peak power demand was 260 GW. In a subsequent statement to reporters, Agarwal indicated that this level is now expected to be reached by September.

Recent data shows a temporary decline in peak power demand, attributed to the onset of the monsoon season.

Official figures recorded a peak demand of 209 GW on Monday.

(KNN Bureau)