Reservoir levels at hydroelectric power plants across the country have fallen to their lowest for the April 1-July 30 period since 2023, as erratic weather conditions linked to the effects of El Niño reduced water availability for power generation. Generation fell to 54,019.42 million units (MU) from 60,522.95 MU in the corresponding period last year, according to government data. Energy content in reservoirsSource: Ministry of Power (Parliament answer) Source: Ministry of Power (Parliament answer)The power ministry said it regularly monitors the country’s power supply situation and has “specifically reviewed” the likely impact of El Niño during the July-September 2026 quarter. Coal-based power generation rose 9.49% year-on-year to 463,995.61 MU during April 1-July 30, 2026, from 423,764.78 MU a year earlier. The weak monsoon has also kept electricity demand elevated for cooling and irrigation, pushing the country’s peak power demand to 270 gigawatts (GW) in July.