Power Consumption Up In India This Month

New Delhi: As India opens up, electricity usage is growing as well. Total power consumption rose 11.45 per cent to 55.37 billion units (BU) in the first half of October. The corresponding figure last year was 49.67 BU.

As per government data, rise in industrial and commercial activities have resulted in such growth.

The power ministry predicts a double-digit growth for the entire month.

The nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 led to a decline in power consumption as most economic activities slowed down or paused.

Compared to 2019, power consumption declined 8.7 per cent in March, 23.2 per cent in April, 14.9 per cent in May, 10.9 per cent in June, 3.7 per cent in July and 1.7 per cent in August this year.

It had risen by 11.73 per cent in February.

Earlier this month, Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh had said: “In September, our power demand was higher than September 2019. So the growth started again. Despite the fact that COVID problem lingers, the growth in our power consumption and demand has started.”

Peak power demand was recorded at 170.04 GW on October 7 and 8, during the first half of October.