In India, a recent report addressing the growing concern over electricity consumption has brought some relief. Notably, the electricity consumption in the country recorded a significant downturn in August, dropping by 4.7% year-on-year to 144.21 billion units. This decrease can largely be attributed to unusually heavy rainfall across various regions, leading to a reduced reliance on energy-consuming appliances such as air conditioners and desert coolers. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall in August was recorded at 287.1 mm, surpassing the normal of 248.1 mm by nearly 16%. In comparison, electricity consumption in August 2023 stood at 151.32 billion units.
Insights from the Report
The peak supply of electricity in a single day also declined in August 2024, reaching 216.68 gigawatts (GW) compared to 236.29 GW in the same month the previous year. Interestingly, the demand for electricity hit a record high of nearly 250 GW in May earlier this year, with the previous peak demand of 243.27 GW observed in September 2023.
Forecasts from the Ministry
This year, the Ministry of Power predicted a maximum electricity demand of 235 GW during the day and 225 GW in the evening for May, while for June, the estimates were set at 240 GW during the day and 235 GW in the evening. Furthermore, the Ministry anticipated that the peak electricity demand could reach as high as 260 GW this summer.
The Impact of Weather on Consumption
Experts have pointed out that the above-normal rainfall has significantly curtailed the usage of energy-intensive gadgets like air conditioners and coolers, resulting in lower overall power consumption. However, with the onset of the festive season, an uptick in commercial and industrial electricity usage is expected, suggesting a potential rebound in demand and consumption levels in the upcoming months.
Electricity Consumption Table
| Month | Electricity Consumption (in Billion Units) | Peak Supply (in GW) |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | 151.32 | 236.29 |
| August 2024 | 144.21 | 216.68 |
| May 2024 (Peak) | – | 250 |
| September 2023 (Previous Peak) | – | 243.27 |
Conclusion
The combination of favorable weather conditions and efficient energy usage practices has led to a notable decrease in India’s electricity consumption. As the country approaches the festive season, stakeholders will be keenly watching how the demand shapes up, especially with expectations of increased commercial activity. Overall, these insights provide a glimpse into the dynamic nature of electricity consumption trends in India.
