NEW DELHI: India’s power consumption rose slightly to 131.54 billion units (BU) in February, compared with 127.34 BU in the same period last year, government data showed.
However, the power consumption figures are not directly comparable, as 2024 was a leap year.
The highest power supply in a single day – also known as peak power demand met – jumped to 238.14 GW in February from 222 GW a year earlier, signaling rising electricity requirements.
Experts anticipate a further spike in power consumption in March, with temperatures expected to soar above normal levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a warmer-than-usual March, warning of an increased number of heatwave days across most of the country.
The trend follows India’s warmest February since 1901, with a mean temperature of 22.04 degrees Celsius – 1.34 degrees above the normal 20.70 degrees.
With the summer season approaching, power consumption is likely to escalate further, as air conditioning and cooling systems drive power consumption.
Looking ahead, government estimates suggest peak power demand could hit 270 GW in the summer of 2025, surpassing the all-time high of 250 GW recorded in May 2024.
