Bengaluru: Electricity consumption in Karnataka has surged to record levels this April, driven primarily by intense summer heat and rising cooling needs across the state.
Between April 1 and April 26, the state recorded a total power consumption of 9,101 million units (MU), marking the highest usage in the past five years. This represents an approximate 20 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when consumption ranged between 7,500 and 8,000 MU.
Heatwave drives demand surge
Senior officials from the energy department attributed the sharp rise to persistently high temperatures and the absence of pre-monsoon showers. Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta said that increased reliance on air conditioners, coolers, and fans has significantly pushed up electricity usage.
“The extreme heat has led to higher consumption across households and commercial establishments. Cooling requirements remain the primary contributor to the surge,” he noted.
Shift to electric cooking adds to load
Officials from Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) highlighted another contributing factor—the shift towards electric cooking appliances.
Disruptions in gas supply linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia led to concerns over the availability of LPG cylinders during early April. As a result, several households temporarily switched to induction stoves.
Additionally, large hotels and commercial establishments also adopted induction-based cooking to manage fuel shortages. This shift prompted an increase in applications from businesses seeking to enhance their sanctioned electrical load.
However, officials clarified that while electric cooking contributed to higher demand, its overall impact remains smaller compared to cooling-related consumption.
Peak demand continues upward trend
Karnataka’s peak electricity demand has been steadily rising over the years. From 16,110 MW in 2023-24, it increased to 16,985 MW in 2024-25 and further to 17,330 MW in 2025-26.
This year, the state recorded a new peak demand of 18,478 MW, reflecting the growing pressure on the power infrastructure during summer months.
Department assures preparedness
Despite the record-breaking figures, the energy department has assured that it is prepared to handle further increases in demand. Officials stated that adequate measures are in place to maintain uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Authorities are also hopeful that the expected arrival of pre-monsoon showers in the coming days will bring down temperatures and ease electricity consumption.
Conclusion
The sharp rise in electricity usage highlights the increasing impact of climate conditions on energy demand in Karnataka. While the state’s infrastructure has so far managed the surge, sustained high temperatures and evolving consumption patterns may require long-term planning to ensure energy security and efficiency.