Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 1: Electricity consumption in Karnataka has witnessed a substantial surge this April compared to previous years, hitting record highs across the state.
Between April 1 and April 26, Karnataka recorded a power consumption of 9,101 million units (MU). This figure represents the highest consumption in the last five years and is approximately a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2025. In recent years, consumption during this timeframe typically hovered between 7,500 and 8,000 MU.
According to senior officials from the energy department, the primary driver for this spike is the unrelenting summer heat. Additional chief secretary Gaurav Gupta noted that extreme temperatures have forced citizens to rely heavily on air conditioners and fans, leading to a significant rise in energy usage. The lack of pre-monsoon showers has further exacerbated the situation, keeping temperatures consistently high.
Interestingly, officials from BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) pointed out that the conflict in West Asia has caused disruptions in gas supplies, indirectly affecting power consumption. During the first two weeks of April, fears over the non-availability of gas cylinders prompted many households to switch to induction stoves.
Furthermore, several large hotels and commercial establishments have transitioned to induction-based cooking to navigate the gas shortage. BESCOM officials reported an increase in applications from commercial entities looking to enhance their load capacity due to this shift. However, Gaurav Gupta clarified that while there is a trend toward electric cooking appliances, their overall impact remains relatively low compared to cooling requirements.
The state’s peak demand has seen a steady climb over the years. From 16,110 MW in 2023-24, it rose to 16,985 MW in 2024-25 and 17,330 MW in 2025-26. This year, the demand has touched a staggering 18,478 MW.
Despite the record numbers, the energy department maintains that it is well-equipped to handle further increases in demand. Officials expressed hope that anticipated pre-monsoon rains in the coming days would provide relief and reduce the overall load. "We are prepared to manage the situation even if the demand rises further," Gupta assured.