The decrease in domestic and industrial power consumption has narrowed down
to 2.64% at 113.48 billion units indicating signs of recovery and economic pick-
up in the month of July. The consumption level is expected to be restored back to
normal levels by August.
For comparison, power consumption in July of last year stood at 116.48 billion
units, as per the data of the power ministry. The latest data also suggests that
overall power consumption has become better after the government has started
relaxing lockdown and allowed controlled economic activity to start.
The government first imposed lockdown starting on 25 th of March, 2020 to
contain the spread of COVID-19 which affected domestic as well as industrial
consumption of electricity, with factories closing down and all economic
activities coming to an abrupt halt for a month.
The decline of power consumption in June of this year had been an alarming
10.93% at 105.08 billion units in comparison to last year’s 117.98 billion units.
The drop in power consumption had been down to 14.86% in May, and by far the
largest drop was recorded in April at 23.21% in 2020.8.
“The slump in power consumption has been considerably narrowed down to
2.96% and is expected to be at normal level, that is level we observed last year in
the same month, by August. We also expect increased demand in power
consumption as economic activities begin to catch up with months of shut down
in the coming months,” An industry expert commented.
So far, the highest energy supply in a day at 2020 was recorded at 170.54
gigawatt in July, only 2.96% less than last year’s 175.12 gigawatt. The highest
power dip in one day, as the data suggested, was in April 2020 at 132.77
gigawatt. The lowest recording in a day last year was 182.45 gigawatt.
The low electricity consumption has been chalked up to lower commercial and
industrial activities of production and demand, accompanied by a relatively cool
weather scenario as temperatures remained below 40 degree celsius most of the
summer season, which climate experts have said is a direct cause of reduced
pollution given the global lockdown situation.
However, as the restrictions are being steadily but slowly lifted, and the
workforce is joining back, the sudden spurt of commercial activity is being
predicted to revive energy consumption level leading to a rise in both domestic
and commercial demand.
With the mercury rising all over the country to uncomfortable levels as the
summer progresses, domestic consumption is also expected to increase closer to
normal pre-COVID levels.
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