India September Power Consumption Rises 3.2 Per Cent
India’s power consumption recorded a moderate increase in September. Consumption grew by 3.21 percent year-on-year. Official data shows total consumption reached 145.91 billion units (BUs) for the month. This compares to 141.36 BUs recorded in September 2024.
Experts attribute this tepid growth primarily to weather patterns. Widespread rainfall occurred across most parts of the country during September. This rainfall kept temperatures in check. Cooler temperatures directly reduced the use of cooling appliances, such as air conditioners. This lessened the typical surge in electricity demand.
Peak Demand Misses Government Targets
The actual demand met also fell significantly below government projections. The peak power demand met during September settled at 229.15 GW. This figure missed earlier government forecasts. Various government sources had anticipated the country would experience a peak demand of 277 GW by September.
The highest power supply in a single day (peak power demand met) saw a slight decrease. It recorded 229.15 GW in September 2025. This was marginally down from 230.60 GW reported in the same month last year. Officials confirmed that intermittent rains throughout the summer reduced the usage of cooling appliances. This prevented the peak demand from reaching the projected 277 GW mark.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The power sector previously experienced record highs. Peak power demand touched an all-time high of about 250 GW in May 2024. The previous September high stood at 243.27 GW, recorded in September 2023. This current September data reflects the impact of sustained, widespread weather moderation.
Analysts expect subdued power demand and consumption in October as well. Temperatures should continue to moderate. This will further reduce the need for cooling appliances. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts higher-than-normal rainfall. IMD predicts 15 percent more rainfall than normal for October. This forecast suggests the moderation trend in power demand will continue through the autumn months. Power generators and distributors will closely monitor these weather-driven consumption patterns. This slow-down gives the sector time to manage resources outside of a surge scenario.
Vishal Duggal, Chief Editor, News Orbiter, possesses over two decades of journalistic experience across print and web domains. He headed the editorial team of “Sahara Time” a 48-page general interest English weekly newspaper. He was also a senior editor with Exchange4media group’s real estate magazine “Realty Plus” and prior to that Consulting Editor with “Geopolitics” a magazine on defence and strategic affairs, and Executive Editor with Pravasi Indians, a magazine on the global Indian diaspora. Currently, he lends his professional expertise to several publications and websites.
