In October, the country experienced a substantial surge in electricity consumption, marking a nearly 22 percent increase to 138.94 billion units (BU). This heightened demand for electricity is a result of festive celebrations and increased economic activities. In comparison, during the same period the previous year, power consumption stood at 113.94 BU, which was already higher than the 112.79 billion units recorded in October 2021, according to government data.
Furthermore, the peak power demand met, signifying the highest daily supply, also witnessed a significant increase in October, reaching 221.62 GW. In October 2022, the peak power supply was at 186.90 GW, and in October 2021, it stood at 174.44 GW.
The power ministry had earlier anticipated the country’s electricity demand to reach 229 GW during the summer. However, the demand didn’t reach the projected level in April-July due to unseasonal rainfall.
On the other hand, peak supply reached a new high of 224.1 GW in June before decreasing to 209.03 GW in July. Peak demand reached 238.19 GW in August, and in September this year, it was 240.17 GW.
Industry experts have noted that power consumption was adversely affected in March, April, May, and June this year due to widespread rainfall. Nonetheless, they observed that power consumption began to grow in August and September, primarily due to humid weather conditions and increased industrial activities leading up to the festive season.
They argue that the double-digit growth in power consumption in October is a reflection of the impact of festivities and improved economic activities. With festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dusshera occurring in October, experts anticipate that power consumption growth will remain steady in the coming months due to continued celebrations and economic improvements.