India Power Use Jumps 11% In September; Peak Demand Hits 269 GW
India’s power consumption rose 11.35 percent year-on-year to 162.19 billion units in September, driven by cooling demand during humid weather, government data released on October 1 showed.
Peak power demand touched 269.06 GW last month, up from 229.15 GW in September 2025 and just below the all-time record of 270.82 GW set in May. Experts said humid conditions pushed ‘feels-like’ temperatures above actual levels, keeping air conditioners running.
The surge has strained fuel supplies. Coal stocks at domestic power plants fell to 19.2 million tonnes by September 27, down 24 percent from the start of the month, with 72 of 168 plants at critical stock levels. Around 112 captive coal plants have been directed to run at maximum capacity from October 1 to December 31.
Demand is expected to stay firm in October as industrial and commercial needs rise with the festival season. The power ministry has projected peak demand of 270 GW for the summer season, and the IMD expects below-normal October rainfall.
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