India's power consumption grows nearly 9% to 1,099.90 billion units in April-November

Power consumption in India up 9% in Apr-Nov FY23; peak demand hits record high of 243.27 GW in Sep. Economy shows buoyancy as demand rises 50.8% in energy terms from 2013-14 to 2022-23. 194 GW of capacity added in 2014-23 to meet increased demand.

Power consumption has increased by nearly nine per cent to 1,099.90 billion units (BU) in the country during April-November this fiscal compared to the same period a year ago, showing a surge in economic activities.

The power consumption in the country was 1,010.20 BU in April-November 2022-23, higher than 916.52 BU recorded in the same period of 2021-22.

Power consumption in the entire fiscal 2022-23 was 1,504.26 BU, higher than 1,374.02 BU witnessed in 2021-22 financial year.

Industry experts said that around nine per cent growth in power consumption in the first eight months of this fiscal year shows buoyancy in the economy.

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

The peak demand, 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. In September this year, it was at a record high of 243.27 GW. The peak demand was 222.16 GW in October and 204.86 GW in November this year.

According to experts, power consumption was affected in March, April, May, and June this year due to widespread rainfall.