India's electricity demand reached a record high last week as a result of the hot weather and an increase in the need for irrigation as certain parts experienced less monsoon rains. The biggest demand ever recorded 234 GW was fulfilled on August 17. Demand exceeded the 229 GW summer demand forecast by the electricity ministry's planning cell.
Unseasonal rain made May less hot than expected, and the Grid Controller of India reported that the highest demand was met at 221.7 GW. The highest demand that was satisfied in June was 223 GW. Aside from August 17, other days this month had highs as well. Maximum demand was fulfilled on August 10 at 224.8 GW and on August 11 at 228.9 GW.
The dry spell in some areas of the country and the humid weather were blamed for the unexpected increase in demand this month. An industry analyst noted that while there is an underlying rise in demand due to economic activity, the dry spell in some locations in August has contributed to it.
According to analysts, irrigation and cooling appliances have been the main demand drivers. "Rainfall has been late in some parts of northwest and peninsular India, but heavy in east central and northeast," a government official stated.
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