Power consumption low despite easing of curbs

Chennai

According to the electricity consumption data, the monthly energy consumption grew by four per cent to 8,890 million units (MU) in February compared to 8,542 MU in the corresponding period last year.

The energy consumption started falling from March after the lockdown was imposed, leading to a sharp decline in commercial and industrial consumption. In March, the energy consumption fell by eight per cent while it went down steeply by 28 per cent in April. The power consumption in April came down to 7,233 MU from 10,061 MU in the corresponding period last year. However, the opening of industries with restrictions in May led to a slight increase in energy consumption. However, the consumption in May was less by 15 per cent to consumption during the same period last year.

A senior Tangedco official said the slump in the energy consumption was steep during the lockdown between March 25 and May 3 when the industries remained shut. “In the subsequent lockdown, when the restrictions were eased, the energy consumption increased but it still remained much less compared to the previous year. Several industrial units, particularly, micro, small and medium enterprises, neither started operation nor operated to its full capacity,” he said.

The official said the Health Ministry advisory against usage of ACs at the workplace and shops was another factor for the decline in power use.