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India's Power Consumption Soars 11% in September Amid Humid Weather
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News18•01-10-2026, 16:45
India's Power Consumption Soars 11% in September Amid Humid Weather
- •India's power consumption increased by 11.35% year-on-year to 162.19 billion units (BU) in September, driven by higher cooling demands due to humid conditions.
- •The country's peak power demand reached 269.06 GW last month, up from 229.15 GW in September 2025, though still below the May record of 270.82 GW.
- •Experts anticipate steady power demand in October, fueled by increased industrial and commercial activity during the upcoming festival season.
- •The Ministry of Power projects a peak power demand of 270 GW during the summer season in 2026.
- •The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures for October, potentially sustaining demand for cooling appliances.
Key Questions Answered
India's power consumption grew by 11.35 per cent year-on-year to 162.19 billion units in September, primarily driven by increased cooling needs and heavy air conditioner usage amid humid weather conditions across the country.
The peak power demand reached 269.06 GW in September, jumping from 229.15 GW in September 2025. However, it remained below the record high of 270.82 GW recorded in May.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted that average rainfall over the country during October is likely to be below normal at 85 per cent of the long period average. Furthermore, both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal.
