Power consumption in May rose nearly 11% year-on-year

NEW DELHI: Electricity consumption in May rose nearly 11% year-on-year, driven by hot weather conditions prevailing across the country for most of the month, leading to increased use of air-conditioners in domestic and commercial sectors.Grid India data showed that 165 billion units (BU) of electricity were consumed in May this year, compared with 148.7 BU during same month last year. Consumption rose by over 7% compared with April, which saw 154 BU being consumed.According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heatwave days in second half of May was higher than in previous years, resulting in increased demand for electricity. Demand started rising from May 11 and breached the previous all-time high for four consecutive days, hitting a record 270.8 GW on May 21. However, it saw a steady decline in latter part of month. Before May, the highest power demand had been recorded at 256.1 GW on April 25.There were 10 days in May when peak demand exceeded 250 GW. Subdued weather had kept power demand in check last May, and it crossed the 230-GW mark only twice during the month. Peak demand in May 2025 was 231 GW, while the season's highest demand was recorded at 242.7 GW in June. Total electricity consumption in June 2025 stood at 150 BU.With govt projecting a harsh summer this year due to El Niño conditions, power demand is likely to remain high in June. Peak demand, however, is unlikely to set another record this month given that the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala in next few days.