Power consumption jumps 18.6% to above pre-Covid level

Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day stood at 196.24 GW in August

NEW DELHI: India's power consumption grew 18.6% in August to 129.51 billion units (BU) and remained higher than the preCOVID level due to improved economic activities amid easing of lockdown curbs by states, according to power ministry data.

The country's power consumption in August last year stood at 109.21 BU, lower than 111.52 BU in the same month in 2019, as per the data. Experts say the recovery in power demand and consumption in August 2021 is consistent and robust.

They are of the view that the recovery would further improve as many states have eased lockdown restrictions to boost economic activities after the number of new cases declined.

The only fear is that another wave of the pandemic can dampen this recovery in power consumption and demand, they said.

The commercial and industrial power demand and consumption got affected from April onwards this year due to lockdown restrictions imposed by states to contain the deadly second wave of COVID19. There are fears of another wave of the pandemic which may result in lockdown restrictions and will impact commercial and industrial demand for power in the country, according to experts.

Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day stood at 196.24 GW in August, which is 17.1% higher compared to a year ago. The peak power demand in August 2020 stood at 167.52 GW, lower than 177.52 GW in the same month in 2019, showing the adverse impact of the pandemic on power demand.

The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020 to contain the spread of coronavirus.