India witnessed a slight 3.5 per cent increase in power usage in July, reaching 145.40 Billion Units (BU) compared to the same month last year, thanks to cooler temperatures brought by rain. Official data reported that in July 2023, power consumption was at 140.41 BU.
Peak power demand met reached its highest point of 226.63 GW in July 2024, up from 208.95 GW in the same month last year. The maximum power requirement reached a record-breaking 250.20 GW in May of the current year. The highest peak power demand of 243.27 GW was previously recorded in September 2023.
Earlier in the year, the power ministry forecasted a peak power requirement of 235 GW during daytime and 225 GW during evening hours in May, and 240 GW during daytime and 235 GW during evening hours in June 2024. The ministry predicted that peak power demand could reach 260 GW in the upcoming summer.
The arrival of the monsoon brought relief from the intense heat and humidity, resulting in reduced usage of cooling devices such as air conditioners and desert coolers, according to experts. They noted that this resulted in a decrease in power usage and an increase in power need in the nation.
Nevertheless, they expressed the view that power demand and consumption are expected to remain constant in the near future because of the high humidity that will necessitate the use of air conditioners.
