Government data showed that the electricity consumption in April-February 2021-22 was 1245.54 BU. File (Representational image) | Photo Credit: Reuters
India’s electricity consumption increased by 10% to 1375.57 billion units (BU) during April-February this financial year and has crossed the level of power supply in the entire 2021-22.
Government data showed that the electricity consumption in April-February 2021-22 was 1245.54 BU.
In the entire financial year 2021-22, the power consumption stood at 1374.02 BU, which is lower than 1375.57 BU recorded during the period April 2022 to February 2023.
Experts say electricity consumption is expected to grow in double digits in the coming months, especially in summer, in view of the forecast of unprecedented high demand.
The power ministry has estimated the country’s peak power demand at 229 GW during April this year, higher than the 215.88 GW recorded in the same month a year ago.
The ministry has taken several steps to meet the high power demand and has also asked state utilities not to go for power cuts or load shedding.
The ministry has also asked all imported coal based power plants to run at full capacity from March 16, 2023 to June 15, 2023.
In addition, it has asked other thermal power generators to import coal for blending with domestic dry fuel.
Experts say that higher economic activity will boost commercial and industrial demand in the coming months.
Besides this, he added that the scorching heat during summer would result in higher consumption of electricity to run air conditioners and other cooling equipment.
He is of the view that meeting the unprecedented high demand for electricity in India since April will be a challenge.