New Delhi: Electricity consumption in India rose nearly 11% year-on-year in May, driven by hot weather conditions across the country for most of the month, leading to increased use of air-conditioners in domestic and commercial sectors.
Grid India data showed that 165 billion units (BU) of electricity were consumed in May this year, compared with 148.7 BU during the same month last year. Consumption rose by over 7% compared with April, which saw 154 BU consumed.
Heatwave impact on power demand
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heatwave days in the second half of May was higher than in previous years, resulting in increased demand for electricity. Demand started rising from May 11 and breached the previous all-time high for four consecutive days, hitting a record 270.8 GW on May 21. However, it saw a steady decline in the latter part of the month. Before May, the highest power demand had been recorded at 256.1 GW on April 25.
There were 10 days in May when peak demand exceeded 250 GW. Subdued weather had kept power demand in check last May, and it crossed the 230-GW mark only twice during the month. Peak demand in May 2025 was 231 GW, while the season's highest demand was recorded at 242.7 GW in June. Total electricity consumption in June 2025 stood at 150 BU.
Outlook for June
With the government projecting a harsh summer this year due to El Nino conditions, power demand is likely to remain high in June. Peak demand, however, is unlikely to set another record this month given that the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala in the next few days.
About the Author: Atul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.
