India's power consumption experienced a slight increase of about one per cent, reaching 140.47 billion units (BU) in October, compared to the same period last year. This growth was primarily attributed to a high base effect. In October of the previous year, power consumption had surged by over 22 per cent to 139.44 BU from 113.94 BU in October 2022.
The maximum daily supply, or peak power demand met, decreased to 219.22 GW in October 2024 from 221.53 GW in October 2023. May 2024 saw peak power demand reach an all-time high of nearly 250 GW, surpassing the previous record of 243.27 GW set in September 2023.
Earlier this year, the power ministry forecasted a peak power demand of 235 GW during daytime hours and 225 GW in the evening for May, with projections of 240 GW for daytime and 235 GW for evening in June. The ministry also estimated that peak demand could reach 260 GW during the summer.
Experts, referencing official data that indicated October 2024 as the warmest in decades, remarked that the slight growth in power demand and consumption was largely due to the higher base effect. They also pointed out that the reduction in peak demand in October reflected the beginning of winter, especially in Northern India, where electricity use typically increases with cooling appliances like air conditioners and coolers. Nonetheless, experts believe power demand and consumption will remain steady in the near term, supported by robust commercial and industrial activity.
