India's September power consumption up 11.35% to 162.19 billion units; peak demand hits 269.06 GW

Key facts

• India's power consumption rose 11.35% year-on-year to 162.19 billion units (BU) in September 2026, up from 145.66 BU in September 2025, driven largely by increased cooling needs amid humid weather.
• Peak power demand in September 2026 reached 269.06 GW, up from 229.15 GW in September 2025, remaining below the record high of 270.82 GW recorded in May 2026.
• The Ministry of Power projected 270 GW peak power demand for the summer season in 2026; last summer's peak was 242.77 GW recorded in June 2025, below the government's estimate of 277 GW.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast October rainfall at 85% of the long period average (about 75.4 mm), with above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures expected, which may raise demand from cooling appliances.
• Experts expect power demand to remain steady in October with increased industrial and commercial requirements during the festival season.