Power consumption grew 4.6% in March as States eased curbs

‘Early onset of summer too played a part’

India's power consumption grew 4.6% in March from a year earlier to 126.12 billion units (BU), signalling the impact of early onset of summers and easing of lockdown restrictions by States.

Power consumption in March 2021 was 120.63 BU, higher than 98.95 BU seen in the same month of 2020, as per Power Ministry data.

February too witnessed 4.6% growth in power consumption to 108.03 BU, the data showed.

Peak power demand met, or the highest supply in a day, rose to 199.29 GW in the month under review, compared to 170.16 GW in March 2020 and 185.89 GW in March 2021.

Experts are of the view that power consumption growth remained steady in March due to easing of local restrictions imposed by States to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus coupled, with early onset of summers. Local restrictions had affected industrial and commercial demand, they said.

The third wave of the pandemic hit the country in January, which forced many States to impose local restrictions such as night and weekend curfews. They had also taken measures such as banning dining in bars and restaurants. These restrictions were eased gradually by States.

Experts opined that the power demand and consumption would show a robust growth in the coming months as the States have lifted almost all local restrictions after a decline in the positivity rate.