India's power consumption grew by 11.55% year-on-year to 164.98 billion units (BU) in May 2024, according to data from the Power Ministry. This marks a significant increase from 147.89 BU recorded in the same month last year.
Factors Driving Growth
The surge in electricity demand is primarily attributed to a prolonged heatwave across many parts of the country, leading to higher usage of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans. Additionally, the ongoing economic recovery has boosted industrial and commercial electricity consumption.
Peak power demand also rose sharply, reaching a record high of 250 GW in May 2024, compared to 221 GW in May 2023. The government has taken measures to ensure adequate coal and gas supplies to meet the increased demand.
Regional Variations
Northern and central regions experienced the highest growth in power consumption, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra seeing double-digit increases. In contrast, some southern states recorded relatively lower growth due to milder weather conditions.
Future Outlook
With the monsoon season expected to set in soon, power demand may moderate in the coming months. However, the overall trend indicates a robust recovery in energy consumption, aligning with the country's economic growth trajectory.
