Power consumption increased 9.5% to 1,503.65 billion units annually in 2022–23, primarily as a result of increasing demand brought on by an increase in economic activities, according to government data.
1.374 billion units (BU) of power were consumed in 2021–22, said the data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The peak power demand or greatest supply in a day also increased, from 200.53 GW in 2021–22 to 207.23 GW in the last fiscal year. Power demand and consumption are expected to significantly improve in 2023–24, according to experts.
According to the power ministry, this summer’s peak power demand will reach 229 GW. To make it possible for coal-based facilities to operate at full capacity, the ministry has already given orders. To fulfil the record-breaking demand for electricity this summer, it has also requested that domestic coal-based power plants blend imported coal for blending.
According to the experts, the country’s economic activities have improved, which has increased the demand for electricity. This is demonstrated by the rise in power consumption. They added that the increase in power consumption would have been double digits in 2022–23, if there had been no rain in March 2023.
Due to severe rains across the nation in March of this year, power consumption was impacted. From 128.47 BU in March of last year to 126.21 BU in March of this year, power usage decreased. From April 2022 to February 2023, energy use was higher than in the 2021–2022 period.
The amount of energy consumed from April 2022 to February 2023 was 1,377.43 BU, exceeding the 1,374.02 BU total in the entire 2021–2022 fiscal year. Experts predict that in 2023–2024, power usage may climb by double digits.
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