India Prepared to Meet 270 GW Peak Power Demand: Manohar Lal
India is adequately equipped to address the anticipated peak power requirement of 270 GW for the upcoming summer season, as stated by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal.
Given the current crisis in West Asia, there is increasing importance placed on the potential rise in the usage of electric appliances such as induction cookers and electric vehicles within the country.
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In the fiscal year 2024-25, India experienced a peak demand of 250 GW, followed by a target increase to 270 GW in 2025-26 as set by the power ministry.
Addressing Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, the minister says, "We always keep an eye on our peak demand. Our peak demand, that is, the maximum amount of power we need at any given time".
However, external factors, including weather conditions, thwarted the anticipated rise in peak demand to the projected levels.
"This time too, we've made preparations that if we need to supply up to 270 GW of power this May-June, then we are prepared. There's no problem whatsoever," he says.
The minister commented on the increasing power demand, noting that it is expected to rise in the future with the advent of artificial intelligence, the construction of data centers, and the widespread use of electric vehicles.
As advancements are made across these various sectors, a minimum of 30 gigawatts will be required to meet the demands of these projects within the next 5 to 6 years. During this period, it was emphasized that our goal of 300 gigawatts for peak power demand will naturally be achieved.
He mentions that India is projected to finalize a 900 GW power transmission infrastructure by the year 2034. When considering energy transmission, the speaker mentioned that in the past decade, India has expanded its network by adding 2.09 lakh circuit km of lines, resulting in a significant 72 percent growth.
"Our network is emerging as one of the strongest in the world, which will benefit us in the future," he adds.
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Earlier in the current month, Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik indicated that the anticipated peak power demand for this summer is estimated to be approximately 270 gigawatts, assuring that the ongoing West Asia crisis will not impact the routine electricity supply. During the previous summer period starting in April 2025, the Ministry of Power anticipated a peak power demand of 277 GW. However, the actual peak power demand recorded in June 2025 was 242.77 GW.
Based on official government data, the maximum electricity demand met, or the highest supply reached last month, experienced a modest increase to 243.15 gigawatts compared to the 238.06 gigawatts reported in February 2025. In May 2024, the maximum power requirement reached a historical peak of approximately 250 GW. The previous record peak of 243.27 GW was documented in September 2023.
During the initial proceedings, the ministry in charge of power unveiled significant strategic documents, such as the National Resource Adequacy Plan, which details a thorough plan to address India's increasing electricity needs with a well-rounded energy portfolio, as well as the Transmission Plan for the integration of more than 900 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by the year 2035-36.
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The transmission plan outlines the construction of 137,500 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 827,600 MVA substation capacity, requiring an estimated investment of Rs 7.93 trillion. This will facilitate the smooth transfer of renewable energy and enhance the durability of the grid system. The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is an initiative led by the power ministry and industry.
This summit is set to include a multitude of high-level conference sessions with over 300 speakers from various countries. Additionally, there will be representatives from more than 80 countries, as well as over 500 exhibitors, including more than 100 startups. With an expected attendance of over 25,000 visitors, this event is anticipated to be one of the largest platforms globally focusing on electricity.