The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has forecast an all-India peak power demand of 256.53 GW in financial year (FY) 2024-25, rising sharply from FY 2023-24. Power demand will soar above 256 GW in September 2024, according to the CEA’s prediction. Peak power demand has been rising steadily over the past few years, with September 1 this year recording 240 GW. An increase in industrial activity and an unusually dry August were among the reasons for power demand scaling new heights this year. Insufficient rain during the month led to an increase in the use of pump sets to irrigate agricultural lands with groundwater.