Bracing Up For A Scorching Summer & A Power Crisis

Companies could supply only around 210 GW in January 2023, against a demand of 212 GW.

- P.B. JAYAKUMAR

IN EARLY MARCH, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released its seasonal forecast from March to May 2003. According to the forecast, India will experience a scorching summer this year, and most parts of North, East and Central India will have above-normal maximum temperatures. There is also a probability of heatwaves (periods of abnormally high temperatures) over parts of Northwest and Central India.

“For the March to June period, all-India electricity demand is expected to grow 8.5-11.5%, driven by signs of improved economic activity and unusual rise in temperature,” another report by S&P Global analysis says.

It’s not only India. As per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 will be a “triple-dip La Niña” year, with the potential for widespread warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures during spring and summer.

These predictions also raise concerns regarding the availability of power, as load-shedding is a common phenomenon in most parts of the country during summer. But this time around, things are different. Recovering from the effects of Covid-19, the economy is powering back and industrial units are peaking production. Industries accounted for 41% electricity consumption in India in 2021, followed by homes (26%), the farm sector (18%), commercial (8%) and others (6%). Though the Centre says it is preparing to meet the crisis, can India escape the wrath of a likely harsh summer is a reality that will be addressed in the coming weeks.