India Faces Power Grid Strain Amid Record February Heat in 2025

A recent study reveals a link between extreme heat and increased power consumption, especially in urban areas with widespread cooling appliance use. February 2025 was the hottest since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), predicting a hotter summer. Peak electricity demand reached 238 GW in February and is expected to increase in March and April. Experts warn that reliance on fossil fuels to meet this demand could worsen climate change. The report advocates for renewable energy expansion, energy-efficient appliances, and improved rural electricity access. The International Energy Agency (IEA) identifies extreme weather as a growing threat to global energy security.