India’s electricity consumption rose nearly one percent to 140.47 billion BU units in October from a year earlier, mainly due to a higher base effect.
In the same month last year, power consumption increased more than 22 percent to 139.44 BU from 113.94 BU in October 2022.
The maximum power supply in a day (peak power demand) fell to 219.22 GW in October 2024 from 221.53 GW in the same month last year.
Peak power demand hit a new record of almost 250 GW in May this year. The previous record of 243.27 GW was recorded in September 2023.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Energy had estimated the peak power demand at 235 GW during the day and 225 GW during the night in May, while the peak power demand for June was estimated at 240 GW during the day and 235 GW overnight. .
The ministry has also estimated that peak power demand could reach 260 GW this summer. With October 2024 being the warmest in several decades according to official data, experts say the modest increase in energy demand and consumption is mainly due to the increased base effect.
He further said that the reduction in peak power demand in October also signals the onset of winter season, especially in northern India where power consumption is increasing due to the use of air conditioners and refrigeration appliances.
However, he said power demand and consumption will remain stable in the coming days due to good commercial and industrial activities.
