Domestic electricity consumption increased by 1.4% to 129.89 billion units in March

India’s electricity consumption growth remained subdued at 1.4 percent to 129.89 billion units (BU) in March compared to the year-ago period, mainly due to pleasant weather, government data showed.

In March 2023, power consumption was 128.12 BU, down from 128.47 BU in the same month a year earlier, the data showed.

The highest supply in a day (peak power demand) increased to 221.70 GW in March 2024, compared to 208.92 GW in March 2023 and 199.43 GW in March 2022.

Experts said both power consumption and demand growth remained subdued in March as the weather remained pleasant across the country and people did not feel the need for heating or cooling equipment, especially in northern India.

The energy ministry estimates a peak demand of around 260 GW during the summer.

The experts said that both energy demand and consumption will see robust growth from April with the onset of summer.

The Ministry of Energy had estimated that the country’s electricity demand would reach 229 GW in summer 2023, but it did not reach expected levels in April-July due to unusual rainfall.

However, peak supply reached a new high of 224.1 GW in June, before falling to 209.03 GW in July.

Peak demand was 238.82 GW in August 2023, while it was 243.27 GW in September, 222.16 GW in October, 204.77 GW in November, 213.79 GW in December 2023, 223.51 GW in January 2024 and 222.72 GW in February 2024.

Industry experts say power consumption was affected in March, April, May and June 2023 due to widespread rainfall.

They said power consumption grew in August, September and October, mainly due to humid weather conditions, as well as a revival in industrial activities ahead of the festive season.

Experts expect steady growth in energy consumption due to the improvement in economic activities and the onset of summer in March.

First print: April 1, 2024 | 1:49 p.m IST