Power Demand in UP Reaches High

• 17 Jun 2024

Why in News?

According to the Grid India Power Supply Report, Uttar Pradesh achieved the first position in the country by supplying 28,889 megawatt (MW) of electricity, surpassing states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Key Points

• The power demand in Uttar Pradesh reached its highest ever due to the severe heatwave conditions and rising temperatures in the state.
  • Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan met demands of 24,254 MW, 24,231 MW, 16,257 MW, and 16,781 MW respectively. 
• Uttar Pradesh's Power Department set a national record for the highest power supply during peak hours, demonstrating its strong energy infrastructure in the face of increasing demands.

Heat Waves

• Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
• India, being a tropical country, is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India:
  • Heat waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
    • Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat wave condition.
    
    • Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.