India's electricity consumption grows nearly 8% to 847 BU in H1 FY24

Widespread unseasonal rain between April and June affected power consumption, or else it could have grown in double digits, industry experts said.

A strong recovery of power demand and consumption was observed August onwards due to unusually high humidity level that raised the use of cooling appliances, they told a news agency.

Consumption grew in August and September also due to a surge in industrial activity ahead of the festive season, they said.

Peak power demand touched a record high of 241 GW during H1 FY24 compared to 215.88 GW in H1 FY23. Though the power ministry had estimated the electricity demand to touch 229 GW during summer, it did not reach that level in April-July due to unseasonal rain.

The peak power demand, however, touched a new high of 224.1 GW in June before dropping to 209.03 GW in July. The peak power demand touched 238.19 GW in August and reached a record high of about 240 GW in September this year.

India has an installed power generation capacity of 424 GW, which includes 206 GW coal-based, 47 GW of large hydro, and about 132 GW renewables (solar, wind energy etc), according to the latest report of Central Electricity Authority.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)