Delhi's power demand scores to record 5,178 MW

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) The national capital's power demand soared to a record 5,178 MW Friday, the third time this season it has touched new highs.

"Delhi's power demand touched 5,178 MW today (Friday), which is the highest-ever. Earlier, the demand rose to 5,155 MW on May 30 and to 5,032 MW on May 25," said a power department official.

Prior to this Delhi had registered a demand of 5,028 MW in August 2011.

Over the past 11 years, the demand for electricity has shown an upward trend. The peak demand was 2,831 MW in 2001.

On Friday, there was no respite from the blazing heat in the capital with the mercury touching 44.4 degrees Celsius - four notches above average.

For this year, the projected power consumption has been pegged at 5,500 MW. However, as trends indicate, the demand may cross this mark.

Meanwhile, several parts of Delhi faced an over seven-hour-long power cuts Thursday.