The Future Ai

MSEDCL, which supplies power to nearly 3 crore consumers, including agricultural and industrial users, is facing severe strain amid rising temperatures and hot, humid weather.

MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s power network is under mounting pressure as peak electricity demand in MSEDCL supply areas surged to a record 27,230 MW, sharply increasing the load on the state’s distribution infrastructure and triggering power cuts in several regions.MSEDCL, which supplies power to nearly 3 crore consumers, including agricultural and industrial users, is facing severe strain amid rising temperatures and hot, humid weather. Urban centres, especially Mumbai, have seen increased use of air conditioners and coolers.Combined demand among all utilities touched 31k MWThe latest peak of 27,230 MW marks a fresh high for MSEDCL after it recorded 26,698 MW in 2025. On Jan 14, 2026, the utility already witnessed a peak demand of 27,187 MW, indicating that consumption levels have remained elevated well beyond the traditional summer cycle. MSEDCL chief spokesperson Bharat Pawar said Maharashtra was ready to cater to the needs of electricity consumers as summer demand usually went up. He said the state had power purchase agreements to procure additional power besides availability of solar power during daytime, and did not have to depend on thermal alone. He said thermal dependency was reduced due to Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY 2.0) in Maharashtra, which aimed to solarise agricultural feeders and provide farmers with reliable, affordable daytime electricity.Combined peak demand of all power utilities touched 31,000 MW on Sunday, underlining the scale of the challenge before the state’s electricity sector. Mumbai too is seeing a steady rise in electricity consumption. The city’s peak demand has crossed 3,500 MW, even as its highest-ever peak remains 4,307 MW, recorded in May 2024. Power planners and sector experts say Mumbai’s demand is intensifying by the day and is likely to rise further with the rapid spread of electric vehicle charging stations and the commissioning of new Metro lines.