‘Electricity consumption growth slowed in February due to the impact of local restrictions imposed by states to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus’
‘Electricity consumption growth slowed in February due to the impact of local restrictions imposed by states to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus’
India’s electricity consumption growth stood at 105.54 billion units (BU) in February by 2.2% year-on-year, reflecting the impact of local restrictions imposed by states due to the third wave of COVID-19.
According to the data of the Ministry of Power, the electricity consumption in February 2021 was 103.25 BU, which is less than 103.81 BU in the same month of 2020.
According to the data, the peak power demand met or highest single day supply rose to 193.64 GW in the month under review as compared to 187.97 GW in February 2021 and 176.38 GW in February 2020.
Experts believe that the growth in electricity consumption remained low in February due to the impact of local restrictions imposed by states to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
He said the local ban has hit industrial and commercial demand.
A third wave of the pandemic hit the country in January 2022, forcing many states to impose local restrictions such as night and weekend curfews. He had also taken measures like banning food in bars and restaurants. These restrictions were gradually eased by the states in February.
He said that power demand and consumption will improve in the coming months as states are now lifting local restrictions after a drop in the positivity rate.
According to experts, electricity consumption will increase with the increase in industrial and commercial activities after the easing of lockdown restrictions and due to the onset of summer in the coming months.
Electricity consumption increased by 1.8% to 111.80 BU in January 2022 from 109.76 BU in the year-ago period.