In recent times, India has witnessed a significant surge in power consumption, exceeding expectations and previous records. This article delves into the statistics, the reasons behind this surge, and the response of power companies to this unprecedented demand.
In August, power consumption grew by 21% compared to the same month in the preceding year.
The figures surpassed the Ministry of Power's anticipated peak demand of 230GW per day for the year. Last year's peak was recorded on April 26 at 201GW.
Power consumption traditionally peaks in April-May due to high temperatures in northern and central India.
This year, there was an unusual deviation due to a dry August with a 33% shortfall in average rainfall, leading to higher usage of cooling appliances.
Kerala, Rajasthan, and Gujarat were the worst-hit regions.
Companies were prepared for a spike in April-May, which did not materialize, leaving them unprepared for August.
The unexpected rise led to a sharp decline in coal stocks.
Despite having a substantial renewable power capacity, its intermittent nature poses challenges.
The government extended the mandate for power companies to blend 4% imported coal till March 2024 to maintain adequate stocks.
BMI Research predicts a 70% growth by 2032 due to rising urbanization and increased demand from various sectors.
Coal is anticipated to remain the dominant source of power in India.
The recent spike is largely attributed to domestic households and agricultural consumers, with farmers using pumps extensively due to insufficient rainfall.
The power demand in India has soared to unprecedented levels, breaking records and exceeding official predictions. Unusual climatic conditions paired with increased reliance on electronic appliances have spurred this surge. As India grapples with rising demand, it brings forth the critical task of augmenting power generation capacity and optimizing resource allocation for power companies to prevent similar scenarios in the future. Keeping an eye on climatic patterns and enhancing preparedness for unexpected shifts in demand will be pivotal in maintaining a steady power supply in the face of fluctuating demand patterns.
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