Photo credit: IANS

New Delhi: Electricity consumption in May increased by nearly 11% year-on-year due to hot weather conditions across the country throughout the month, which led to increased use of air conditioners in domestic and commercial sectors.Grid India data showed that 165 billion units (BU) of electricity was consumed in May this year, compared to 148.7 BU in the same month last year. Consumption increased by over 7% compared to April, which saw consumption of 154 BU.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heat wave days in the second fortnight of May was higher than in previous years, resulting in increased power demand. Demand began rising on May 11 and reached a record high of 270.8 GW on May 21, surpassing the previous all-time high for four consecutive days. However, it witnessed a steady decline in the latter half of the month. Before May, the highest electricity demand was recorded at 256.1 GW on April 25.There were 10 days in May when the maximum demand was more than 250 GW. Last May, bad weather kept power demand under control and crossed the 230-GW mark only twice during the month. Peak demand in May 2025 was 231 GW, while the season’s highest demand was recorded in June at 242.7 GW. The total power consumption in June 2025 was 150 BU.The government has predicted a scorching heat this year due to El Nino conditions, with power demand likely to be higher in June. However, maximum demand this month is unlikely to set another record, as the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala in the next few days.