2024-04-29 11:30:10
Patna: The extreme heat in the state has taken the electricity consumption in Bihar to a record level. If we talk about last year 2023 and compare it with April of this year, you will also be shocked. This April, about 500 MW more electricity was consumed compared to last year. Even the peak hours have increased. The big thing is that now the same amount of electricity is being consumed at night as during the day. One reason for this is the air conditioners installed in homes. However, many people complain that after running the AC for 9 hours a day, the consumption which used to be 1.5 units per hour in the normal meter has reduced to 2 to 2.5 units per hour as per the smart meter. On the other hand, due to high consumption of electricity, the government has to purchase 500 to 700 MW separately from the market.
Electricity consumption along with heat made people sweat
Company officials say that currently on an average around 6,700 to 6,800 MW of electricity is being consumed every day. According to a local newspaper, according to officials of the electricity department, earlier the peak hour was from 7 pm to 11 pm. Peak hours means those hours when electricity consumption is high. But now the peak hour starts from 8 pm. But exactly after 10 pm, electricity consumption suddenly increases. This condition lasts till 2 am in almost the entire state including the capital Patna.
Amazing electricity consumption at night alone
6600 MW to 6800 MW of electricity is being consumed every day from 8 pm to 2 am. Actually, Bihar is getting electricity as per its requirement from the central sector. However, if one or two units shut down on any day, companies have to buy power from the market. According to an estimate, on an average 500 to 1000 MW of electricity is purchased every day.
Severe heat in April also became the reason for record consumption
In April this year, Suryadev has saved people’s lives. At 10 in the morning the atmosphere is becoming like afternoon. If we talk about just one day, the figures are shocking. On April 16, consumption of 6,830 MW electricity was recorded in the state. This consumption took place between 8.30 and 9 pm. It is being estimated that if the heat continues to increase like this then these numbers will also be left behind in a few days. It is estimated that this time the electricity consumption meter in Bihar may cross 8 thousand MW.