India Faces Energy Shortage as Heatwave Hits, Power Cuts

Several regions in India experienced power outages as an extreme heatwave swept across the country. Record-breaking heat pushed electricity consumption to the highest level on record. India’s electricity demand has now surpassed 270 gigawatts, placing substantial pressure on the national electricity system. The Indian government has begun asking the public to use electricity sparingly. ‘Although we are ready to supply electricity to meet demand, because of the intense summer, let us all try to use electricity wisely and carefully,’ said the Ministry of Power in a formal statement on Friday (22 May 2026). Residents reported power cuts at night lasting between 40 minutes and an hour in recent days. ‘Southern Chennai has experienced frequent outages over the past two days, with intermittent power cuts,’ said Chennai resident R Hari. Hari said the outages disrupt remote working activities. The shortfall is mainly occurring at night. India’s power system remains heavily dependent on coal-fired and hydroelectric plants. Solar energy, meanwhile, contributes more to daytime supply. Energy supply falls as night falls; at the same time, use of air conditioners and fans rises sharply due to the heat. Energy thinker from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Disha Aggarwal, said India’s energy system is under heavy pressure as nights grow hotter. ‘Record-breaking heat and surges in electricity demand are testing India’s power system,’ said Aggarwal.