Achi news desk-
The ministry estimated that the peak demand for power will reach 260 gigawatts in the summer season (April to June), in anticipation of the extension of the duration of the heat waves. Notably, peak power demand reached an unprecedented high of 243 GW in September 2023.
According to data from the Ministry of Electricity, India’s electricity consumption jumped nearly 10% on a year-on-year basis to 70.66 billion units (BU) in the first half of April this year. This increase indicates a positive trend in economic activity and consumption patterns. In comparison, electricity consumption in the country increased from 64.24 million units (MU) in the same period last year to 70.66 BU during April 1-15, 2024.
During the first half of April, the amount of peak demand for power, or the highest supply of the day, increased to about 218 GW, compared to 206 GW recorded in the same period last year. Last year, the highest daily supply for the entire month of April was about 216 GW.
The ministry estimated that the peak demand for power will reach 260 gigawatts in the summer season (April to June), in anticipation of the extension of the duration of the heat waves. Notably, peak power demand reached an unprecedented high of 243 GW in September 2023. This forecast reflects preparations being made for potential increased use of electricity during the summer period, driven primarily by prolonged periods of high temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted higher than average maximum temperatures in most parts of the country for the coming summer. However, experts point out that the double-digit increase in electricity consumption reflects an improvement in economic activity and a change in consumption patterns.
They believe that consumers in India are following the trend seen in developed countries by increasing their energy consumption in various devices and gadgets. In addition, they emphasized that the increase in the use of electricity in the transportation sector, including electric buses, cars, rickshaws and railways, which changed consumption patterns and led to an increase in per capita consumption.
Posted: April 18, 2024, 7:19 PM IST
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