Strong capacity additions and advanced resource adequacy planning have helped India meet peak energy demand without any shortages so far this summer.

The country’s peak electricity demand reached 256.1 GW on April 25, 2026, according to the Ministry of Power. The power generation on the day reached 260,897 MW, excluding transmission losses.

Coal-based thermal power and solar sources accounted for the majority of the share in meeting the unprecedented demand.

Grid India data show that high power demand was met without any shortage and that grid frequency remained within the prescribed band: 253,477 MW on April 28, 255,859 MW on April 27, 235,349 MW on April 26, and 256,117 MW on April 25.

Solar energy met 56,204 MW, accounting for 21.5% of power generation (excluding transmission losses) on April 25, 2026. Thermal sources contributed 174,565 MW (66.9%), while hydropower accounted for 11,422 MW (4.4%), and nuclear power supplied 6,293 MW (2.4%).

Gas, wind, and energy storage supplied 5,205 MW (2%), 4,897 MW (1.9%), and 201 MW (0.1%), respectively. Other energy sources accounted for 2,110 MW (0.8%).

On April 24, the maximum demand met breached the 250 GW mark for the first time this year. At 3.48 pm, the demand peaked at 252,075 MW.

The government said the demand was met through advanced resource adequacy planning, optimal scheduling and dispatch of available generation resources, and close real-time coordination among national, regional, and state load dispatch centers and generating stations. The process was also supported by efficient utilization of transmission corridors.

According to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Generation Adequacy Plan (2026-27 to 2035-36), India’s peak power demand is expected to rise to touch 289 GW in FY 2026-27, and 459 GW by 2035-36.

India added a total energy capacity of 65 GW during FY 2026 and plans to add around 270 GW in FY 2027.

The country’s electricity consumption grew by 8.9% in April 2026 compared to the same month last year.

According to Mercom India’s Q4 and Annual 2025 India Solar Market Update Report, the country recorded its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition in the calendar year 2025, installing 36.6 GW, a 43% increase over the 25.6 GW added in 2024.