Cold wave pushes power consumption up 7% to 138.39 BU in December
The government in its latest data has said that power consumption increased by nearly 7 per cent to 138.39 billion units (BU) in December 2025 from 129.39 billion units a year ago, as the use of heating appliances like geysers and blowers increased due to severe cold conditions in North India. As per government data, the peak power demand met or the highest supply during December 2025 also rose to 241.20 GW from 224.23 GW recorded in December 2024.
The peak power demand had touched an all-time high of about 250 GW in May 2024. The previous all-time high peak power demand of 243.27 GW was recorded in September 2023. However, during this summer starting from April, the record peak power demand was 242.77 GW in June.
Besides, according to the India Meteorological Department, cold wave conditions might develop in Delhi from January 3 as the minimum temperature is likely to fall below 5 degrees Celsius on account of cold northerly winds from the Himalayan region moving towards the capital.
