India's electricity demand has remained unusually high into September instead of falling after the summer peak.
Prolonged heat has kept air-conditioning demand elevated, while deficient rainfall in parts of the country has reduced hydropower support. Strong industrial activity has added another layer of demand.
The episode shows why electricity planning increasingly has to account for climate variability. Seasonal assumptions based on older weather patterns may become less reliable, increasing the importance of storage, demand response and flexible generation.



