India’s power consumption growth rate slowed to 4.7% at 98.37 billion units (BU) in November amid the onset of early winters. In November 2019, electricity consumption in the country was recorded at 93.94 BU, as per government data. Power consumption had entered positive territory in September and recorded double-digit surge in October. In September this year, power consumption recorded a growth of 4.4% at 112.24 BU, compared to 107.51 BU in the same month last year. India’s power consumption grew by nearly 12% to 109.53 BU in October this year, as against 97.84 BU in the same month last year.
According to experts, the onset of early winters especially in the Northern part of the country has affected power consumption. Economic activities are almost near normal due easing of lockdown and growth in power consumption would continue in coming months.
The COVID-19 situation affected power consumption for six months in a row from March to August this year. Power consumption on a year-on-year basis declined 8.7% in March, 23.2% in April, 14.9% in May, 10.9% in June, 3.7% in July and 1.7% in August.
The data showed that electricity consumption had grown by 11.73% in February. It has shown an improvement post-lockdown easing for economic activities after April 20. Peak power demand met, the highest supply of power in the country in a day, in November was recorded at 160.77 GW, which is 3.5% higher than 155.32 GW in the same month last year.
The peak power demand met in October was recorded at 170.04 GW, 3.5% higher than 164.25 GW in the same month last year. Peak power demand in September this year recorded a growth of 1.7% at 176.41 GW, compared to 173.45 GW a year ago.
Peak power demand met had recorded negative growth from April to August this year due to the pandemic. It had dropped to 24.9% in April, 8.9% in May, 9.6% in June, 2.7% in July and 5.6% in August. In March, it was muted at 0.8%.
