New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- India's power demand surged to 256 gigawatts (GW) in the first week of September, leaving shortages above 20 million units. Driven by this growing demand, about 58 coal plants are now operating on critically low coal stocks, prompting miners to boost coal production and railway rake availability.

This combination of rising demand and supply deficits stems from a weaker monsoon, which has increased the use of irrigation pumps and household air conditioners.

Mint examines this surge in electricity demand and the reasons behind the coal and power shortfalls.

A weaker monsoon has forced farmers to rely on groundwater pumping for irrigation, driving up power demand. Deficient rainfall has also created hot and humid con...