Ujjain records 60 million units of power consumption in May:Extreme heat drives electricity demand to record high

The intense summer heat in Ujjain has pushed electricity consumption to an all-time high, with the city and district recording nearly 60 million units (6 crore units) of power usage in May 2026. The figure is approximately 10 million units higher than the consumption recorded during the same month last year. Officials attribute the sharp rise in demand to the extensive use of cooling appliances, including an estimated one million fans, 300,000 coolers, and 100,000 air conditioners, which have placed significant pressure on the power distribution system. Power consumption rises by nearly 20 percent According to data from the electricity department, power consumption in May 2025 stood at approximately 50 million units. In May 2026, the figure climbed to 60 million units, marking an increase of nearly 20 percent over the previous year. The surge reflects the impact of prolonged high temperatures and increased dependence on electrical cooling devices across households and commercial establishments. Peak electricity demand reaches 127 MW Chief Engineer Suresh Sharma said the city’s peak electricity demand also increased significantly during May. According to department records, the maximum power demand touched 127 megawatts (MW) during the month, compared with approximately 117 MW during the same period last year. This represents a rise of around 10 MW in peak demand within a year. Commercial activity adds to power load Ujjain city and district have approximately 125,000 electricity consumers. Apart from domestic consumption, power demand has increased across hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, coaching institutes, religious sites and commercial establishments. Officials said the growing number of devotees visiting Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple has contributed to higher electricity usage in hotels and businesses catering to pilgrims and tourists. Sharp rise in demand since third week of May The electricity department reported a noticeable spike in demand beginning in the third week of May. Daily power consumption during this period ranged between 7.6 and 7.7 million units, compared with 7.1 to 7.2 million units per day during February and March. Cooling appliances driving consumption Officials estimate that Ujjain currently has around one million fans, 300,000 refrigerators, and 100,000 air conditioners, in addition to a large number of coolers, water pumps, televisions, computers, laptops and other electrical appliances. More than 20 categories of electrical equipment are contributing to the sustained rise in electricity consumption, with cooling devices accounting for the largest share of the increase during the peak summer season.