Electrical energy consumption by the city’s households has increased sharply in January, thanks to the rise in day temperatures. In the past three years, Hyderabad’s average demand for electricity has increased by about 10 million units in this month.
The maximum temperature in the city, recorded on any day post-noon, has been on the rise while minimum temperature has fluctuated since the start of the month.
Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana has witnessed the city’s power consumption go up to 49.19 million units (kilo-watt hour) in January, while averaging at 45.79 million units. Energy officials peg the rise from 41.9 million units in December to increased domestic consumption accompanying warming due to change in weather.
“Use of fans and air-conditioners is increasing. It appears the demand for cooling will further increase the load as it gets hotter,” said a senior energy official, adding that increased availability of electricity for usage was driving consumption up.
Minimum temperature dipped in the latter half of December 2017, reducing the need for electricity, showed data. Interestingly, officials said the year-on-year rise in energy demand points to growing demand for cooling in households.
“Last year, the city’s average power consumption in January was 41.01 million units. While increased consumption may be attributed to seasonal changes, increased use of electricity and rise in number of consumers is driving the demand up,” the official added.
Over the past five years, GHMC has witnessed an annual 10% rise in number of electricity consumers. Nevertheless, Hyderabad has been setting new records with its power consumption in summer for over a decade. That trend, it now appears, is also seen during other times of the year.
In January 2016, GHMC’s average power consumption over the month was 38.79 million units. Compared to 2018, average power consumption in 2015 was only 36.56 million units.
Published - January 20, 2018 11:17 pm IST
