Power demand peaks at 14K MW, touches a mere fraction of shortage

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh’s peak power demand crossed the 14,000 MW mark for the first time this month on May 11, touching 14,348 MW, with the state recording a marginal shortage of 0.12 MW during peak hours on the same day.Data from the National Load Dispatch Centre showed that power demand in the state had been steadily rising since the beginning of May, driven by soaring temperatures. Peak demand stood at 13,337 MW on May 1 before dipping to 12,218 MW on May 5. Thereafter, it climbed sharply, reaching 13,432 MW on May 9, 13,813 MW on May 10 and finally crossing 14,000 MW on May 11.Sources said the minor shortage recorded on Tuesday came even though Madhya Pradesh has an overall contracted power capacity of around 22,000 MW. The shortfall, however, remained negligible and electricity supply largely continued without major disruptions.Unlike several other states where peak demand spikes in summer due to cooling requirements, Madhya Pradesh typically sees its highest power demand during the irrigation season, when agricultural consumption rises sharply. The highest-ever peak demand in the state was recorded on January 14 this year, when Madhya Pradesh successfully met a demand of 19,895 MW.GFXLights on, stress offHighest May demand so far in this month recorded on May 11: 14,348 MWPeak demand shortage on May 11: 0.12 MWHighest-ever peak demand in MP: 19,895 MW on Jan 14, 2026