Early Rains Lead to Lower Power Usage in Karnataka

Quick Summary

• Electricity consumption in Karnataka has hit a three-year low in May 2025, totaling 7,283 million units (MU), driven by early monsoon and surplus rainfall.
• Typically, electricity demand peaks from March to June due to summer heat and increased domestic and agricultural usage. Though, May saw record rainfall of 245.2 mm, the highest for May since 1901, followed by an 8% surplus rain in June.
• this year’s monsoon began earlier than usual on May 26; pre-monsoon activity further subdued electricity demand during mid-May.
• Daily power consumption dropped to approximately 230-240 MU per day after the monsoon started compared to anticipated peaks above 350 MU/day earlier this year.
• Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy Department noted that reduced domestic, agricultural and industrial loads led to lower demands across Karnataka and neighboring states alike.
• Despite subdued solar generation during the rainy period, wind power generation increased; electricity market prices remained lower due to decreased regional demand.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Karnataka’s dip in energy consumption reflects broader climatic trends that are reshaping utility needs while providing relief during typically high-demand summers. The state’s ability to manage supply amidst fluctuating environmental factors suggests robust contingency planning within its energy framework.While reduced power demand benefits consumers financially through stabilized costs or potential rate reductions linked with lower exchange rates for power sales during peak rains as highlighted by mr. Gupta!