At 2,507 MW, Kol power demand peaked on Thurs night
Times of India | 28 April 2025
Kolkata: The city witnessed an early and intense increase in cooling demand, driven by the worsening Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. On April 24, Kolkata's energy needs peaked, a full two months earlier than last year. According to West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL), the state's energy demand soared to 10,090 MW late on Thursday night, while CESC, Kolkata's main power utility, saw a peak of 2,507 MW.
The soaring demand coincided with maximum temperature reaching 35.4°C and relative humidity climbing to 89%, drastically narrowing the gap between day and night temperatures. This intense combination of heat and moisture has sparked concern over wet-bulb temperatures — a measure that accounts for both heat and humidity, and indicates the risk of heat stress on the body. Experts warn that a wet-bulb temperature of 35°C and relative humidity beyond 75% is considered critical, beyond which even healthy individuals can survive for only a few hours.
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A report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) underscores the dangers of Kolkata's rising energy consumption. It warns that without rapid adoption of energy-efficient cooling technologies, the increased demand for air-conditioning and cooling will escalate greenhouse gas emissions, compounding the already critical urban heat problem.
Kolkata's situation mirrors a national trend. In Delhi, the summer of 2024 recorded nearly 40 consecutive days above 40°C, pushing cooling infrastructure to its limits. The India Cooling Action Plan (2019) aimed to reduce cooling demand by 20%-25% by 2037-38, but the relentless pace of climate change and urbanisation has made achieving this goal challenging.
Natural solutions, like restoring urban water bodies, are being recognised as vital cooling agents that can help moderate city temperatures. Unchecked urban sprawl and pollution have eroded these natural buffers. Innovative approaches, such as using heat-reflective materials, cool roofs, and permeable pavements, are also crucial to mitigating UHI effects. Replacing conventional heat-trapping surfaces, like asphalt and concrete, can significantly lower surface temperatures. Expanding green cover through rooftop gardens, green walls, and urban forestry initiatives can promote evapotranspiration.
The report called for policymakers to tailor heat action plans to regional conditions — while cities like Delhi battle dry heat, coastal hubs like Kolkata and Mumbai must address the deadly combination of heat and high humidity.
Building urban resilience will depend on data-driven strategies, sustainable cooling technologies, and climate-sensitive urban planning, the report says.