Bescom peak demand falls to 7,400MW after late monsoon rain

Bescom’s electricity peak has dropped to 7,400MW after late monsoon rain cut the use of air-conditioners and irrigation pumps in its service area.

Bescom had been recording daily consumption of 148-149 million units and peak loads of 8,000-8,300MW until last week. Its highest demand this month came on September 15, when the load reached 8,306MW. Irrigation pump sets alone used an estimated 37-38 million units that day.

Demand has since eased. Bescom officials said irrigation-pump consumption in its area fell from 34-35 million units a day to 27 million units after rain reached several previously rain-deficit districts, including Tumakuru, Kolar and Chikkaballapur.

Statewide, Karnataka’s peak demand fell from 20,094MW on September 11 to 15,818MW on September 30. The energy department is monitoring power supply and demand daily.

The department is preparing for demand to rise again if temperatures climb, as forecast by the India Meteorological Department.