March 28, 2025, New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of heatwave in several states, including Delhi, is coming true with temperatures edging closer to 40 degrees Celsius or rising above in some states, people are wondering how they will cope in the months ahead before monsoon sets in. The national capital region (NCR), which was enjoying a Spring season after a long time with temperatures in the low of 20s and highs of 30s, is suddenly witnessing temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius during daytime. Up ahead temperatures are expected to rise during day and night too.

Power outages were also reported in multiple parts of Delhi recently. According to the reports from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), Delhi's peak power demand is expected to hit 9,000 MW after scaling a record 8,656 MW in 2024. It had breached the 7000 MW mark for the first time (peaking at 7016 MW) in 2018.

Due to rising temperatures, health experts have recommended that residents and visitors stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the afternoon. While dry heat feels better than hot and sultry days once the monsoon sets it, doctors advise against taking risk of exposure to too much heat and drinking plentiful liquids though not too cold immediately after being out in the sun or exercising or other physical activities.

Though not many would have started using air-conditioners in the northern states unlike in most of the central and southern states, people have started getting them serviced. There are expectations that sales of refrigerators and air conditioners will see double-digit growth this year despite a jump in prices in part due to shortage of supplies owing to difficulty in sourcing adequate parts including compressors by manufacturers.

In preparation for the blistering summer, people have started exploring various options from investing in generators to ensure power supplies to purchasing new air-conditioners or getting old ones serviced. Travel and tourism reports reveal that more people are expected to travel during summer to escape the blistering heat.

Through a survey, LocalCircles has strived to find out how residents of Delhi NCR are planning for the hot summer days. The survey received over 12,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 66% respondents were men while 34% respondents were women.

39% of those surveyed plan to get their ACs serviced while 6% are likely to buy a new AC

The survey asked Delhi NCR residents, “Given that Summer 2025 is likely to be longer and warmer than recent years and power outage are likely to increase, what all do you plan to do to cope?” Some among 12,887 who responded to the question indicated more than one option. The largest group of 39% stated that they “plan to service existing air conditioner(s)”; 10% of respondents stated that they “plan to purchase new inverter(s) or UPS”; 10% of respondents stated that they “plan to have more funds available to pay higher power bills”; 6% of respondents stated that they “plan to purchase new air conditioner(s)”; 3% of respondents stated that they “plan to purchase new coolers/ fan(s)”; 3% of respondents stated that they “plan to purchase new genset”; 6% of respondents stated that they plan to do “other things” not mentioned; 26% of respondents however stated that they plan “none of the above. Just plan to bear the heat and the power outages” and 6% of respondents did not give a clear answer. To sum up, 39% of those surveyed plan to get ACs serviced while 6% are likely to buy a new AC

In summary, as the prospect of Delhi NCR facing a long and blistering summer looms large, the survey reveals that 39% of respondents plan to get their ACs serviced while 6% are likely to buy a new AC. While plans to buy fans, coolers and gensets are part of plans in many households, 26% of respondents plan to brace the heat, made more unbearable during power cuts. As none of the air conditioners work during power cuts without a power back up, it is hoped that the authorities in Delhi NCR will spare the public power cuts and the people will head the advisory, issued through advertisements, to not operate AC below 24 degrees Celsius. This could help prevent excess use of power thus power cuts.

Survey Demographics

The survey received over 12,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 66% respondents were men while 34% respondents were women. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform, and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.