In August of this year, the nation’s power consumption increased by over 16% to 151.66 billion units compared to that of the same month last year, primarily as a result of increased use of cooling equipment during the hot weather.
According to the government data, In the year-ago period, power consumption stood at 130.39 billion units (BU), higher than 127.88 BU in August 2021.
The peak power demand met, which is the highest supply in a day, rose to 236.59 GW in August 2023. The peak power supply stood at 195.22 GW in August 2022 and 196.27 GW in August 2021.
The country’s electricity demand was predicted by the power ministry to reach 229 GW throughout the summer. Due to unusually heavy rainfall, the demand from April through July of this year did not reach the anticipated level. However, in June, the peak supply reached a new high of 223.29 GW and stayed there in July.
Industry experts said that power consumption was affected in March, April, May and June this year due to widespread rains in the country.
They are of the view that power consumption as well as demand grew in the month of August mainly due to high humid weather conditions and also perk up in industrial activities ahead of festival season.
The peak power supply touched a new high of 236.59 GW in August and reached a record level of 239.97 GW on September 1, 2023.
However, the highest power supply in a day came down slightly to 238.62 GW on Saturday and 223.12 GW on Sunday as many establishments remained closed on the weekend.
Experts are of the view that power consumption and demand would be steady in coming months.
