India's power consumption rose nearly 6% year-over-year to 130.40 billion units (BU) in December 2024, compared to 123.17 BU in December 2023, according to government data. This increase reflects a combination of higher heating appliance usage amid cold wave conditions and robust industrial and commercial activity during the month.
In terms of peak power demand, the highest single-day power supply met in December 2024 was 224.16 GW, an increase from 213.62 GW recorded in December 2023. Earlier in the year, an all-time high peak power demand of approximately 250 GW was reached in May 2024, surpassing the previous record of 243.27 GW in September 2023. These figures highlight the growing energy needs across various sectors.
The government has projected that peak power demand will continue to rise. For summer 2024, the power ministry anticipated peak demand levels of up to 260 GW, although the actual recorded demand was slightly below this figure. Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry expects peak demand to reach 270 GW during the summer months, underlining the need for continued infrastructure development and capacity expansion.
Seasonal and economic factors played a significant role in the December 2024 increase. The cold weather, particularly in Northern India, drove up the use of heating appliances like heaters and geysers. Experts predict that power consumption will remain steady in January 2025 due to persistently low temperatures. Additionally, the last quarter of FY 2024-25 is expected to see further growth in power demand and consumption, spurred by strong commercial and industrial activity.
This consistent rise in power consumption and demand underscores India's economic growth and shifting energy usage patterns. It also highlights the critical need for enhanced power infrastructure and strategic planning to ensure the country can meet its future energy requirements effectively.
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