Chandigarh: Haryana has recorded its highest-ever electricity demand during the monsoon season, with peak power consumption touching 14,429 MW on July 17, according to data available on the Union Ministry of Power’s Vidyut Pravah portal. The unprecedented demand has put the state’s power infrastructure under severe pressure, leading to frequent power outages in several districts over the past few days.

The latest demand surpassed the previous day’s peak of 14,255 MW by 174 MW, setting a new monsoon record for the state. Officials said the spike in electricity consumption has come amid prolonged hot and humid weather and the absence of widespread rainfall.

At present, Haryana is receiving around 13,691 MW of electricity, leaving a significant gap between supply and demand. To bridge the shortfall and maintain the grid, the state procured approximately 1,479 MW of additional electricity through the power exchange.

Power demand rises as heat and humidity grip Haryana

The continuing spell of dry weather has pushed up the use of air conditioners, coolers and other electrical appliances, increasing the overall power load. Residents across several parts of Haryana have reported frequent power cuts over the last three to four days as electricity distribution companies struggle to meet the record demand.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a Yellow Alert for hot and humid weather in 16 districts, including Sirsa, Hisar, Fatehabad, Jind, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurugram, Nuh, Palwal, Faridabad, Sonipat and Panipat.

Weather data showed that the state’s average maximum temperature remained 3.7 degrees Celsius above normal over the past 24 hours. Rohtak recorded the highest daytime temperature at 40.6 degrees Celsius, which was 5.1 degrees above normal. The average minimum temperature also remained 1.8 degrees above normal, reflecting warm and humid nights across the state.

Monsoon expected to revive from July 20

The IMD has forecast that weather conditions will begin changing from the night of July 19, with monsoon activity likely to strengthen from July 20. Widespread rainfall is expected across many parts of Haryana on July 20 and 21, while isolated heavy rainfall is likely in northern districts, for which a Yellow Alert has been issued.

The state has largely remained dry for the past five days, delaying relief from the prevailing heat and increasing electricity consumption.

In view of the expected weather changes, the IMD has advised farmers to continue paddy transplantation but temporarily postpone the sowing of pearl millet (bajra) and cluster bean (guar) until weather conditions improve.

Farmers in areas likely to receive heavy rainfall have also been advised to ensure proper drainage in cotton fields to prevent waterlogging, which can damage crop roots. Livestock and poultry owners have been urged to maintain proper ventilation and hygiene in sheds, as high humidity can increase the risk of diseases and insect infestations.

With electricity demand at an all-time high for the monsoon season and rainfall yet to provide relief, the coming days are expected to remain crucial for both power management and weather conditions across Haryana.