India’s Power Use Up 4.4% in August Despite Heavy Rains

05 Sep 2025 CW Team

India’s power consumption rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year to 150.47 billion units (BU) in August 2025, compared with 144.11 BU in August 2024, according to government data.

Analysts noted that above-normal rainfall across most regions kept demand in check, with widespread showers reducing the use of cooling appliances such as air-conditioners and fans.

Despite this, the peak power demand met in a single day rose to 229.71 GW in August, up from 216.47 GW in the same month last year. Earlier this summer, the record peak demand touched 242.77 GW in June 2025, below the all-time high of 250 GW recorded in May 2024. Government estimates suggest demand could reach 277 GW in summer 2025, though this has yet to materialise.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that India received 743.1 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 31, around 6 per cent above the long-period average (LPA) of 700.7 mm. Rainfall in June was 9 per cent above normal, July saw a 5 per cent surplus, and August recorded 268.1 mm of rainfall—5.2 per cent above normal.

Northwest India logged its highest August rainfall since 2001 at 265 mm, 27 per cent above the seasonal average. Similarly, South Peninsular India received 250.6 mm, about 31 per cent above normal, the third highest since 2001.

Cumulatively, northwest India recorded 614.2 mm of rainfall between June and August, well above its normal of 484.9 mm, while South Peninsular India received 607.7 mm, nearly 9.3 per cent above average.

The IMD forecast indicates above-normal rainfall in September, with expected precipitation at over 109 per cent of the long-period average of 167.9 mm. While most regions are likely to experience normal to above-normal rains, parts of the northeast, east, extreme south, and northwest India may see below-average showers.

Experts suggested that with the monsoon’s early onset on 24 May 2025, coupled with prolonged above-normal rainfall, power consumption in September is also likely to remain subdued, reflecting lower cooling needs and reduced peak demand pressure.

India’s power consumption rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year to 150.47 billion units (BU) in August 2025, compared with 144.11 BU in August 2024, according to government data.Analysts noted that above-normal rainfall across most regions kept demand in check, with widespread showers reducing the use of cooling appliances such as air-conditioners and fans.Despite this, the peak power demand met in a single day rose to 229.71 GW in August, up from 216.47 GW in the same month last year. Earlier this summer, the record peak demand touched 242.77 GW in June 2025, below the all-time high of 250 GW recorded in May 2024. Government estimates suggest demand could reach 277 GW in summer 2025, though this has yet to materialise.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that India received 743.1 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 31, around 6 per cent above the long-period average (LPA) of 700.7 mm. Rainfall in June was 9 per cent above normal, July saw a 5 per cent surplus, and August recorded 268.1 mm of rainfall—5.2 per cent above normal.Northwest India logged its highest August rainfall since 2001 at 265 mm, 27 per cent above the seasonal average. Similarly, South Peninsular India received 250.6 mm, about 31 per cent above normal, the third highest since 2001.Cumulatively, northwest India recorded 614.2 mm of rainfall between June and August, well above its normal of 484.9 mm, while South Peninsular India received 607.7 mm, nearly 9.3 per cent above average.The IMD forecast indicates above-normal rainfall in September, with expected precipitation at over 109 per cent of the long-period average of 167.9 mm. While most regions are likely to experience normal to above-normal rains, parts of the northeast, east, extreme south, and northwest India may see below-average showers.Experts suggested that with the monsoon’s early onset on 24 May 2025, coupled with prolonged above-normal rainfall, power consumption in September is also likely to remain subdued, reflecting lower cooling needs and reduced peak demand pressure.

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