(Commonwealth_India) India’s power consumption experienced a notable rise of 5.14 percent in November 2024, reaching 125.44 billion units (BU) compared to 119.30 billion units in the same month of the previous year. This increase in consumption reflects the growing demand for electricity across the country. The highest power supply in a day, or the peak power demand met, also saw a slight uptick, rising to 207.42 gigawatts (GW) in November 2024 from 204.56 GW in November 2023.
Although the peak power demand in November showed a marginal increase, it was far from reaching the record levels observed earlier in the year. In May 2024, the peak power demand surged to an all-time high of about 250 GW. This surpassed the previous record of 243.27 GW, set in September 2023. The Indian Ministry of Power had initially projected a peak demand of 235 GW during the day and 225 GW during the evening in May 2024. For June, the projections were slightly higher, with daytime demands expected to reach 240 GW and evening demands 235 GW. However, the peak exceeded these estimates, culminating in a record-breaking 250 GW in May.
Earlier in the year, the ministry had also predicted that the peak demand could hit 260 GW during the summer months. While these projections indicated the scale of power consumption anticipated during peak summer, the actual data revealed a more moderate growth in demand during November, mainly due to a delay in the onset of winter.
Officials noted that November 2024 was the warmest November in the past four to five years. Experts believe that this warmer-than-usual temperature was a key factor in the relatively subdued growth in both power consumption and demand. This was particularly noticeable in Northern India, where electricity consumption typically rises in the colder months due to the increased use of heaters and geysers. However, the late arrival of colder weather meant that the demand for these heating appliances was less pronounced in the early part of the season, resulting in a less dramatic increase in power consumption.
Despite the slower-than-expected growth in November, experts predict that the power demand will continue to rise steadily in the coming months. Experts expect the ongoing expansion of commercial and industrial activities to maintain a steady demand for electricity, and as temperatures drop further, the increased need for heating during the winter months will likely drive consumption upward. As temperatures gradually drop, seasonal trends predict an increase in power demand, with both residential and industrial electricity usage typically spiking during the colder months.
In conclusion, while November 2024 saw a moderate rise in power consumption and peak demand, the warmer-than-usual weather in Northern India tempered this growth. However, the overall outlook for power consumption remains positive, with industrial activity and colder temperatures expected to drive further increases in electricity demand shortly.
