India’s electricity consumption rose 4.6% yoy to 126.12 billion units (BU) in March, reflecting the impact of the early start of summer and easing of lockdown restrictions by states.
Electricity consumption was 120.63 BU in March 2021, up from 98.95 BU in the same month in 2020, according to data from the Department of Energy.
Also in February, power consumption rose 4.6% to 108.03 BU, the data showed.
The peak electricity demand met, or highest supply in a day, increased to 199.29 GW in the month under review, compared to 170.16 GW in March 2020 and 185.89 GW in March 2021.
Experts believe that electricity consumption growth remained stable in March due to the easing of local restrictions imposed by states to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus, coupled with the early start of summers. Local restrictions have impacted industrial and commercial demand, they said.
The third wave of the pandemic hit the country in January, forcing many states to impose local restrictions such as night and weekend curfews. They had also taken measures such as banning food in bars and restaurants. These restrictions have been gradually eased by the states.
Experts opined that electricity demand and power consumption would show robust growth in the coming months as states lifted almost all local restrictions after a drop in positivity rate.
According to experts, electricity consumption would increase in the future with increased industrial and commercial activities following the easing of lockdown restrictions and due to the longer summer period in the coming months.
Electricity consumption increased by 1.8% to 111.80 BU in January 2022.
Growth rates were 3.3% and 2.5% in December and November 2021, respectively.
