New Delhi, March 10 -- India's power demand increased by approximately 2 per cent in February to reach 133 billion units (BUs), compared with 131 BUs during the same period last year. This consumption represents the highest level for the month since at least 2010.

According to a Crisil Intelligence report, the surge is attributed to above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures in several parts of the country, which heightened the requirement for cooling. For fiscal 2026, the report estimated power demand to increase 1-1.5 per cent year-on-year to reach between 1,705 and 1,715 BUs.

"In fiscal 2026, we estimate power demand to increase 1-1.5% on-year to 1,705-1,715 BU, owing to a harsh winter, onset of above-normal temperatures towards t...