India recorded a sharp rise in electricity consumption during July, with power usage increasing by nearly 11% compared to the same month last year, as persistent humidity across several regions drove higher use of cooling appliances.

According to official data, the country's power consumption rose 10.93 per cent year-on-year to 170.70 billion units (BU) in July, up from 153.88 BU recorded in July 2025, news agency PTI reported.

Industry experts attributed the increase to humid weather conditions that made temperatures feel higher than the actual readings, prompting households and businesses to rely more heavily on air conditioners and other cooling devices.

The surge in electricity usage was also reflected in peak power demand, which climbed to 270.20 GW during the month, significantly higher than the 220.74 GW registered in July last year. The figure came close to the all-time record peak demand of 270.82 GW recorded in May.

For comparison, peak power demand in May last year stood at 230.99 GW. During the previous summer season, the highest demand was 242.77 GW, recorded in June 2025, remaining below the government's projected peak of 277 GW.

Experts expect electricity demand to remain elevated through August as humid conditions continue during the monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast deficient rainfall this year, a factor that could sustain higher dependence on cooling appliances and keep power demand at elevated levels in the coming weeks.

The latest figures indicate that weather conditions continue to play a significant role in shaping India's electricity consumption, with prolonged humidity and below-normal rainfall likely to keep pressure on the country's power grid during the remainder of the monsoon season.