India's Power Consumption Plateaus Amid Heavy Rainfall

India's power consumption remained almost unchanged at 141.36 billion units in September due to excessive rainfall, which lessened the use of cooling appliances. Peak power demand decreased to 230.60 GW compared to last year. Analysts foresee a rise in consumption post-monsoon due to increased industrial and commercial activities.

India's power consumption remained nearly static at 141.36 billion units year-on-year in September, largely because of above-average rainfall across the country, reducing the usage of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and desert coolers.

Data from the Indian Meteorological Department indicated a rainfall excess of 10.6 percent for September. This reduction in cooling needs contributed to the lower power consumption figures.

The highest daily power supply, or peak power demand met, dropped to 230.60 GW in September 2024, down from 239.93 GW in the same month last year. In May, the peak power demand reached a record high of around 250 GW, surpassing the previous record of 243.27 GW set in September 2023.

The Ministry of Power had earlier projected a peak demand of 235 GW during the day and 225 GW during evening hours for May, with figures scaling to 260 GW expected this summer.

Industry experts noted that extensive above-normal rainfall diminished the need for cooling appliances, resulting in lower power consumption. They predict stable power demand and consumption in the forthcoming days due to the close of the Monsoon season and escalated industrial and commercial activities driven by festive celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)