Power demand up by 900 MW in February in Gujarat

The onset of early summer with mercury soaring to as high as 38.2 degree Celsius in February has resulted in demand for power surging by 900 MW.

The average power demand thus far touched 16,025 MW in February this year in Gujarat against 15,117 MW in the same month last year, according to data by State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC).

This year, energy experts peg demand to grow past 20,000 MW in the coming months due to expected heat wave situation.

K K Bajaj, former member, state advisory committee for power sector, said, "Summer impact is visible in the power demand in Gujarat.

In May, power requirements are expected to reach 20,000 MW. A majority 75% demand comes from the residential segment and the remaining comes from other sources."

Early summer and increased economic activities have resulted in higher electricity demand in the state, with the average demand this February crossing 16,000MW compared to 15,117 MW consumed last year, reveals the state load despatch centre (SLDC) data.

The state is generating more conventional power compared to February 2022 and has also spent Rs 565 crore to buy electricity from the energy exchange in February so far.

Experts believe energy demand will increase to 20,000 MW in the coming months due to heatwaves.

Gujarat's average power demand is at 16,025MW so far this February.