New Delhi:The country experienced a significant increase in power consumption in May 2024, with a 15% rise to 156 billion units (BU), attributed to the intense heat and the corresponding surge in the use of cooling appliances. According to CRISIL's latest report, the country's electricity consumption reached its highest level ever in April and May 2024.
As stated in Report A, a surge in the usage of cooling equipment during severe and prolonged heatwave nationwide, coupled with robust manufacturing activity led to strong demand for electricity in the initial two months of this fiscal year.
Power demand has risen by 13% compared to April-May 2023. Additionally, in May, power demand is estimated to have spiked to around 156 billion units (BUs) marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
In April 2024, the country experienced an average maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, marking a deviation of 0.65 degrees Celsius from the norm. Out of the 30 days in April, maximum temperatures were below the normal level for just two days nationwide, as indicated in the report. The earlier peak of the power demand was 152 BU in August 2023.
High temperature
In May 2024, the intensity of heatwave heightened, particularly in the latter half of the month. States in northwest and central India, along with Gujarat, experienced severe heatwave. Towards the end of May, heatwave conditions expanded to encompass more areas in central and north India, as well as Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Vidarbha. Nationwide, maximum temperatures soared to 45-48 degrees Celsius by the end of the month. On May 29, temperatures peaked at a scorching 50.5 degrees Celsius in Churu, Rajasthan, marking the highest of the season.