Not just heat, April showers also reduced electricity demand in Karnataka

Thanks to the mango showers, the electricity demand in Karnataka was less than anticipated in April. According to data provided by the Energy Department, the peak demand in the month was 17,330 megawatts (MW) recorded on April 2.

Thanks to the mango showers, the electricity demand in Karnataka was less than anticipated in April. According to data provided by the Energy Department, the peak demand in the month was 17,330 megawatts (MW) recorded on April 2.  

Earlier this year, Energy Minister K.J. George had said that the electricity demand this summer season was likely to go beyond 18,500 MW to 19,000 MW. This came after the peak demand in February and March touched an unprecedented 18,350 MW and 18,395 MW respectively. Going by the current trends after the showers, officials say that it is unlikely that those numbers will be breached in the remaining weeks of summer.  

While the electricity demand in April 2024 hovered between 16,000 – 16,900 MW, this year, with the exception of the first week, the demand was between 14,000 MW to 15,500 MW on most days. “Usually, March and April are the more difficult months for us as the demand goes up. But this year, due to scattered rains across the State, the demand did not go up as much as we thought it would,” said Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department. 

To manage the expected demand, the Energy Department had arrangements with states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to procure power on an exchange basis. With the unexpected fall in demand, the department plans to sell the excess power at higher rates. 

“While we expect some rainfall in May, we might also face a dry spell as the weather remains unpredictable. Thus, we will keep some power as a cushion in case the demand goes up and maybe take a judicious call to sell the excess power in the open market. May and June are the months when power demand reaches its peak in the northern part of the country. Hence, we might be able to sell power. But we will ensure that there is enough power for the State even if we see drier days,” Mr. Gupta explained. 

The peak demand in the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) region was less than over 100 MW in April when compared to the previous year. While the peak demand in April 2024 was 8,381 MW (recorded on April 30), in 2025, it was 8,233 MW (recorded on April 8).