Unexpected Decline in Diwali Power Demand

The peak power demand during Diwali decreased this year, contrary to usual trends. Government data showed a decline from 182.87 GW last year to 180.14 GW on Diwali day. Factors contributing to this drop include staggered celebrations across regions and cooler weather conditions reducing appliance use.

This Diwali, the peak power demand experienced an unexpected dip, defying the traditional surge in electricity consumption during the festive season. New data from the government highlight a decrease from 182.87 GW in 2024 to 180.14 GW, notable given the widespread use of lighting and appliances.

Government figures reveal that total power consumption also fell, from 4,062 million units (MUs) last year to 3,965 MUs this year, despite the continued decorative lighting across homes and businesses. The staggered celebrations across different parts of the country may have contributed to this decline.

This trend is echoed in the summer's reduced power demand, which did not meet the projected 277 GW peak, primarily due to cooler weather lowering the reliance on air-conditioning. This follows a previous peak demand of 243.27 GW set last September.

(With inputs from agencies.)