Glow slow this Diwali! India’s peak power demand drops slightly; usage bucks usual spike trends

India’s peak power demand during Diwali this year fell slightly compared to last year, breaking the usual trend of higher electricity consumption during the festival of lights.Government data showed that the highest power supply met on Monday reached 180.14 GW, down from 182.87 GW on October 31, 2024.Typically, electricity demand spikes during Diwali as domestic and commercial consumers use decorative lights and appliances extensively. This year, the festivities were staggered across the country, with northern regions celebrating on Monday and western and other parts observing the festival on Tuesday.On Monday, overall power consumption stood at 3,965 million units (MUs), compared with 4,062 MUs last year. On Tuesday, the peak power demand met was 176.50 GW, with total consumption at 3,862 MUs, as per news agency PTI.The power ministry had projected a peak summer demand of 277 GW this year, higher than the all-time high of 250 GW recorded in May 2024. However, during April onwards, the highest demand reached only 242.77 GW in June, attributed to above-average rainfall that lowered temperatures and reduced the use of air-conditioners and coolers.For context, before last year, India had recorded an all-time peak electricity demand of 243.27 GW in September 2023, showing that Diwali demand this year remained below historical highs.