India’s power deficit during peak hours has exceeded levels seen in this year’s
summer heat, the Ministry of Power says. Nighttime shortfall this month reached
7.7 GW, surpassing April–May peak demand-driven shortages. Weak monsoon—possibly
the driest in 17 years—has cut hydro output; hydro generation fell 12% YoY in
the first three weeks of September and is set to record a fifth straight monthly
decline. Coal-fired generation is compensating, rising 18% YoY this month and up
11% since the fiscal year began, amplifying demand on coal supply and
power-system thermal capacity. The shortfall is linked to suppressed
June–September rainfall driven by a strong El Nifio.
