Description
According to experts, energy consumption is expected to increase by double digits in the coming months. (file) India's electricity consumption rose 10% to 1375.57 billion units (BU) from April to February this financial year, already exceeding the level of electricity supplied for all of 2021-22. Government data showed that power consumption in April-February 2021-22 was 1245.54 BU.
In the full 2021-22 fiscal year, electricity consumption was 1,374.02 UB, lower than the 1,375.57 UB registered in the period from April 2022 to February 2023.
Experts say electricity consumption is expected to grow by double digits in the coming months given the forecast of unprecedentedly high demand, especially in the summer.
The Ministry of Energy estimated the country's maximum electricity demand in April this year at 229 GW, higher than the 215.88 GW registered in the same month of the previous year.
The ministry has taken numerous measures to meet the high demand for electricity and has also asked utility companies not to opt for blackouts or load cuts.
The ministry also requested all imported coal-fired power plants to operate at full capacity from March 16, 2023 to June 15, 2023.
In addition, it asked other thermal power producers to import coal to mix with domestic dry fuel.
Experts say that the increase in economic activity will boost commercial and industrial demand in the coming months.
Furthermore, they estimated that the scorching heat during the summer would lead to higher energy consumption for running air conditioners and other cooling devices.
They are of the opinion that it would be difficult to meet India's record power demand from April onwards.
