India Might Face Electricity Crisis In These 2 Peak Summer Months: Report
The report highlights that high temperatures in the summer months of 2025 are set to strain the electricity grid, with peak demand potentially coinciding with variable renewable energy generation
Temperatures are rising across India, and with them, concerns about a potential electricity crisis. The National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC), India’s top grid operator, has warned of a significant electricity shortage expected during May and June.
The NLDC report has predicted a 15-20 gigawatt (GW) gap between electricity supply and demand, particularly during non-solar hours. This disparity could lead to widespread load-shedding if proactive measures are not taken.
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May is projected to be the most challenging month, with high temperatures driving up electricity consumption. The report has highlighted the strain on the grid due to peak demand coinciding with potential fluctuations in renewable energy generation.
To mitigate the crisis, the NLDC has suggested demand-side management strategies, encouraging industrial and commercial consumers to shift their power usage away from peak hours.
Solar power, while a significant contributor during daylight hours, poses challenges during mornings and evenings due to its intermittency. Additionally, India’s reliance on coal-based power plants for baseload generation has stagnated, exacerbating the struggle to meet demand when solar energy wanes.
The report estimated a concerning 19% probability of power shortages in May 2025, potentially surging to 31%. June also presents risks, with the probability ranging from 4.7% to 20.1%.
Recognizing the urgency, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recommended integrating energy storage systems, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSP), alongside solar power installations. These systems can store surplus solar energy for release during peak demand or non-solar hours.
With electricity demand projected to reach a record 270 GW this summer, exceeding 2024’s peak of 250 GW, grid managers face an immense challenge in ensuring a stable power supply.
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