Mumbai, Oct. 8 -- India's power consumption rose 11.35 per cent year-on-year to 162.19 bn units (BU) in September, compared with 145.66 BU a year earlier. The increase was attributed mainly to greater cooling requirements amid humid weather across the country.
Experts said humid conditions in early September pushed feels-like temperatures above actual readings, encouraging greater use of air conditioners and lifting demand. However, both demand and consumption eased during the second fortnight of the month.
Peak power demand rose to 269.06 GW in September from 229.15 GW a year earlier. The latest level remained below the record 270.82 GW registered in May, while the Ministry of Power has projected peak demand of 270 GW during summer 2026.
Peak demand last summer reached 242.77 GW in June 2025, below the government's estimate of 277 GW. Experts said demand would remain steady in October, with industrial and commercial requirements potentially strengthening as the festival season begins. This assessment remains subject to weather conditions and the pace of economic activity.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast October rainfall at 85 per cent of the long-period average, compared with an average of about 75.4 mm calculated from data for 1971-2020. Most parts of the country are expected to receive below-normal rainfall, although areas in northwest India, southern peninsular India and isolated parts of East India may record normal to above-normal rainfall. The department has also forecast above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. Warmer conditions could increase the use of cooling appliances and support electricity consumption, even as lower rainfall and seasonal changes influence demand patterns.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.