India to revamp electricity demand forecasting to enhance grid stability

India is overhauling its electricity demand forecasting approach to better align generation capacity with actual needs and support grid stability amid growing clean energy volumes. 

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is collaborating with weather agencies for enhanced environmental data and plans to increase forecast frequency, transitioning from assessments every five years to a two-year and eventually annual schedule, according to Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad.

Rising usage of intermittent solar and wind energy, combined with changing power patterns and extreme weather events, has made accurate demand forecasting essential to prevent mismatches, control costs, and avoid blackouts. 

However, state utilities, responsible for over 80% of national electricity distribution, still rely on outdated methods, limiting forecast accuracy. As climate change impacts weather predictability, the CEA is seeking granular, long-term climate data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to enhance forecast precision.

Renewable energy companies are now sharing plant-specific weather data with IMD to improve forecast accuracy, filling gaps created by unpredictable weather impacts on renewable sources.