New Delhi: Delhi’s winter peak power demand is expected to exceed 6,300 MW this season, surpassing last year’s record of 5,816 MW, an official aware of the development said. He added that power consumption in the National Capital Territory (NCT) has been steadily increasing, with winter months expected to reflect the record-breaking trend seen during the summer. In the summer, Delhi recorded an all-time high peak power demand of 8,656 MW.
Discoms like BSES have arranged to source over half of their power requirements from renewable energy. Serving approximately 50 lakh consumers and nearly 2 crore residents across South, West, East, and Central Delhi, the utility is prioritizing sustainable energy solutions.
A BSES official said that BSES plans to use over 2,000 MW of green energy, including 840 MW of solar, 546 MW of hydro, 500 MW of wind, and 40 MW of waste-to-energy. More than 180 MW will also come from rooftop solar installations, reflecting a shift toward a sustainable energy mix during the winter months.
Banking power for summer months
To optimize energy availability, BSES is employing a power banking mechanism, where surplus winter power is supplied to states like Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. This surplus will be returned during Delhi’s high-demand summer season. “Through banking arrangements, BRPL plans to bank 210 MW, while BYPL will bank 575 MW. This ensures a reliable supply for Delhi during peak summer months,” said a BSES official.
AI and ML to drive accurate forecasting
Discoms are also leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to improve demand forecasting. “Load forecasting is carried out on day-ahead, intra-day, and medium-term scales, considering variables like temperature, wind speed, and rainfall. This helps us plan supply accurately and maintain grid stability,” the BSES official added.
With these measures, Delhi’s discoms aim to meet rising power demands efficiently while significantly contributing to sustainability goals. The focus on renewable energy and advanced planning underscores the city’s commitment to a greener future.
