Patna: Patna has recorded its highest-ever electricity consumption, with the peak power load reaching 903.7 MW at 11 PM on June 16 amid persistent heat and humidity across the city.
The previous highest load recorded in the capital was 883 MW in 2025. Officials said the demand could rise further if weather conditions remain unchanged in the coming days.
According to the Patna Electric Supply Unit (PESU), electricity demand is highest between 10 PM and midnight when households extensively use air conditioners, coolers and other electrical appliances. The surge in consumption has increased pressure on the city’s power distribution infrastructure.
Rising Demand Strains Distribution Network
The growing load has resulted in complaints related to transformer overloading, blown fuses and localised supply disruptions in several parts of the city.
Data from PESU’s fuse call centres shows that 19,567 consumer complaints were registered between June 1 and June 16, reflecting the impact of rising electricity demand on the network.
PESU officials said the system is under continuous monitoring and maintenance teams have been instructed to respond immediately to faults and service disruptions.
Electricity Demand Climbs Through June
Power consumption has shown a steady upward trend throughout June.
The peak load stood at 753.2 MW on June 1, increasing to 765.3 MW on June 2 and 783.6 MW on June 3. Demand crossed 840 MW on June 4 and reached 854.8 MW on June 5.
Although consumption fluctuated during the following days, the peak load touched 877.6 MW on June 8. Demand temporarily declined between June 11 and June 13, ranging between 621.7 MW and 725.7 MW, before rising sharply again.
The load reached 793.2 MW on June 14 and 814.1 MW on June 15 before climbing to the record 903.7 MW on June 16.
June 8 Recorded Highest Consumer Complaints
The largest number of complaints received by PESU’s fuse call centres during the period was 1,412 on June 8, coinciding with a sharp rise in electricity demand.
The lowest number of complaints was recorded on June 11, when 1,056 complaints were registered.
Complaint figures remained above 1,100 on most days, indicating sustained pressure on the city’s electricity infrastructure during the ongoing summer season.
Peak Power Load in Patna Over the Years
| Year | Peak Load (MW) |
| 2017 | 553 |
| 2018 | 604 |
| 2019 | 697 |
| 2020 | 620 |
| 2021 | 615 |
| 2022 | 733 |
| 2023 | 775 |
| 2024 | 863 |
| 2025 | 883 |
| 2026 | 903.7 |
The latest figures highlight a steady increase in electricity consumption in Patna over the past decade, driven by urban expansion, rising temperatures and growing use of cooling appliances during summer months.
