Karnataka braces for 21,000 MW power demand in summer next year
Karnataka's Energy Department is preparing for a projected peak electricity demand of 21,000 MW for the summer of 2027. Officials have secured spare capacity and power-sharing agreements with other states to mitigate risks posed by declining hydroelectric generation and rising temperatures.
Why it matters
The state's ability to manage power demand is critical for maintaining grid stability and preventing outages during extreme heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Karnataka braces for 21,000 MW power demand in summer next year left Elaborating on the preparedness for summer, Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, said that about 2,000 MW to 3,000 MW spare capacity of energy source is available. File photo File photo https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8xr9bw/article71616631.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/_DSC1468.JPG MURALI KUMAR K People use umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun as the city experiences rising temperatures, in Bengaluru on Saturday, April 11, 2026. PHOTO: J. ALLEN EGENUSE / The Hindu According to Energy Department data, Karnataka’s power demand peaked at 18,650 MW during the summer of 2025. It subsequently touched 20,000 MW in September 2026. Bengaluru Karnataka’s daily electricity demand is projected to rise to around 21,000 megawatts (MW) during the summer of 2027. According to Energy Department data, Karnataka’s power demand peaked at 18,650 MW during the summer of 2025.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in