India's power consumption in December dips by 2.3%

In December, India’s power consumption fell 2.3% to 119.07 billion units (BU), the lowest monthly decline in eight months, as a result of a mild winter that reduced demand for heating equipment, particularly in the north. These figures are based on government data. In comparison to the same period last year, when power consumption was 132.02 BU, it had decreased by almost 1.5% to 130.08 BU earlier in April 2023. According to the data, power consumption in December 2022 was 121.91 BU, which was higher than the 109.17 BU recorded in the same month the previous year. In December, the highest power supply in a day, or the peak power demand met, reached 213.62 GW. In December 2022, the maximum power supply was 205.10 GW, while in December 2021, it was 189.24 GW. Experts said that power consumption as well as demand remained lower due to mild winters in the first fortnight of December. However, consumption and demand rose after mercury dipped sharply in the second half of the month, especially in North India. The data showed that peak power demand touched 213.62 GW on December 29. It was recorded as low as 174.16 GW on December 3. It crossed the 200 GW mark on December 14, 2023, when it stood at 200.56 GW. The power ministry had estimated the country’s electricity demand to touch 229 GW during the summer. The demand did not reach the projected level in April-July due to unseasonal rains. The peak supply, however, touched a new high of 224.1 GW in June before dropping to 209.03 GW in July. Peak demand touched 238.82 GW in August. In September 2023, it was 243.27 GW. The peak demand was 222.16 GW in October and 204.86 GW in November 2023. Industry experts said power consumption was affected in March, April, May, and June this year due to widespread rainfall. They said power consumption grew in August, September, and October, mainly due to humid weather conditions, and also a pick up in industrial activities ahead of the festive season. Experts are expecting steady power consumption growth in the coming months due to an improvement in economic activities and an increase in the severity of winter. (with inputs from PTI)