Power consumption rises over 8% to 127.79 billion units in February

India's power consumption grew over 8 per cent to 127.79 Billion Units (BU) in February as compared to the year-ago period, according to government data.

In February 2023, power consumption stood at 118.29 BU, higher than 108.03 BU recorded in the same month a year ago, the data showed.

There were 29 days in February as 2024 is a leap year. Thus the growth rate of power consumption in February is slightly higher.

The peak power demand met -- the highest supply in a day -- rose to 222 GW in February 2024. The peak power supply stood at 209.76 GW in February 2023 and 193.58 GW in February 2022.

Experts said power consumption as well as demand improved in February as mercury remained low during the month, especially in north India.

The prolonged cold wave resulted in increased use of heating equipment like heaters, blowers, and geysers leading to rise in power demand as well as consumption.

The power ministry had estimated the country's electricity demand to touch 229 GW during summer last year, but it did not reach the projected level in April-July due to unseasonal rainfall.

Peak supply, however, touched a new high of 224.1 GW in June before dropping to 209.03 GW in July.

Peak demand touched 238.82 GW in August 2023, while it was 243.27 GW in September, 222.16 GW in October, 204.77 GW in November, 213.79 GW in December 2023, and 222.73 GW in January 2024.

Industry experts said power consumption was affected in March, April, May, and June last year due to widespread rainfall.

They said power consumption grew in August, September and October, mainly due to humid weather conditions, and also a pick-up in industrial activities ahead of the festive season.

Experts are expecting steady power consumption growth due to improvement in economic activities and projected early onset of summers in March.