Power Consumption: Increased by 7.5% in the first 10 months of FY23

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024 Deepika Vashishtha

Power Consumption: Experts say that the 7.5 percent increase in electricity consumption suggests a boost in economic activity during the first 10 months of this fiscal year. This rise was particularly noticeable in August, September, and October, largely due to rainy weather and increased industrial activity before the festival season.

The country used 7.5 percent more electricity in the first 10 months (April-January) of this fiscal year compared to the same period last year. In total, the country consumed 1354.97 billion units (BU) of electricity during this time. This increase indicates a rise in economic activity nationwide. Last year during the same period, Power consumption was 1,259.49 billion units. For the entire fiscal year 2022-23, electricity consumption was 1505.91 billion units. These numbers were provided by the government.

Power Consumption Demand improved in January

In January, there was an improvement in demand according to experts. They mentioned that as temperatures dropped significantly, especially in North India, there was a noticeable increase in the use of heating equipment like heaters, blowers, and geysers. This led to a rise in overall power demand. The Power Ministry had predicted that electricity demand in the country would reach 229 GW during the summer of 2023.

However, due to unexpected rains, the demand from April to July didn’t meet expectations. Despite reaching a record high of 224.1 GW in June, it dropped to 209.03 GW in July. The maximum demand peaked at 238.82 GW in August, 243.27 GW in September 2023, 222.16 GW in October, 204.77 GW in November, and 213.62 GW in December.

Expert’s Opinion

Experts believe that the 7.5 percent increase in electricity consumption in the country means that economic activity has increased in the first 10 months of the current financial year. He said electricity consumption increased sharply in August, September and October mainly due to the wet season and industrial activity ahead of the festival season. Experts say that due to improvement in economic activity and cold wave conditions, there will be steady growth in electricity consumption in February also.

The maximum power demand met – the highest supply in a day – increased to 222.32 GW in January 2024. The maximum power supply was 210.72 GW in January 2023 and 192.18 GW in January 2022. Experts said power consumption, as well as demand, improved in January as the mercury dropped sharply in the month, especially in North India.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the 7.5 percent increase in electricity consumption during the first 10 months of this fiscal year?

The 7.5 percent increase suggests a boost in economic activity nationwide. This rise, particularly noticeable in August, September, and October, was attributed to rainy weather and increased industrial activity before the festival season.

2. What were the electricity consumption figures for the first 10 months of this fiscal year compared to the previous year?

During the first 10 months (April-January) of this fiscal year, the country consumed 1354.97 billion units (BU) of electricity, marking a 7.5 percent increase from the same period last year when consumption stood at 1,259.49 billion units.

3. What was the total electricity consumption for the entire fiscal year 2022-23?

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the total electricity consumption was reported as 1505.91 billion units, according to government data.

4. Was there an improvement in electricity demand in January?

Yes, there was an improvement in demand in January, particularly due to a significant drop in temperatures, especially in North India. This led to increased usage of heating equipment such as heaters, blowers, and geysers, resulting in a rise in overall power demand.

5. What were the predictions for electricity demand during the summer of 2023, and did they materialize?

The Power Ministry had predicted that electricity demand would reach 229 GW during the summer of 2023. However, due to unexpected rains, the demand from April to July did not meet expectations.

6. What were the maximum power demand figures for January 2024?

The maximum power demand met in January 2024 peaked at 222.32 GW, indicating an increase from the figures of January 2023 (210.72 GW) and January 2022 (192.18 GW).

7. What is the expert opinion on the electricity consumption trends?

Experts believe that the 7.5 percent increase in electricity consumption reflects an uptick in economic activity during the first 10 months of the fiscal year. They anticipate steady growth in electricity consumption in February as well, attributing it to both improved economic activity and cold wave conditions, especially in North India.

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