Power demand falls in state amid Diwali festivities

Ahmedabad: Electricity consumption declined across Gujarat with offices, industrial units and man homes remaining shut during the Diwali festivities.

Power demand dropped to 12

,639MW on Thursday, when Diwali was celebrated. Demand further eased to 11,164MW on Friday (Gujarati New Year). Similarly, demand was low at 11,947 MW on Saturday (Bhai Duj).

Against this, overall demand was higher at 16,516MW last Monday, shows data compiled by the Western Region Load Dispatch Centre (WRLDC), a central government entity.

Gujarat further saw its demand touch 12,641MW on Monday, November 8, according to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), a unit of the state-run Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO).

“Many houses were closed as people moved out for holidays during the extended Diwali weekend. Industrial units and offices also remain closed during the festival. As a result, power consumption fell, which in turn brought down electricity demand across Gujarat,” said an energy sector expert.

Demand is expected to be low till Labh Panchami (Tuesday), experts said.