Uttarakhand residents have benefited financially this May as intermittent rains lowered electricity demand, reducing power cuts and easing the state’s power purchase costs.

The maximum electricity demand this May reached 56.67 million units, down from 60.09 million units on the same date last year, reported Hindustan Live on Monday.

This decline in consumption has translated into significant savings for consumers and the state’s power utility, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL). The reduced demand means UPCL did not need to buy expensive power from the market, which typically drives up consumer bills during summer peaks. 

Data from the Energy Corporation shows that the maximum electricity demand this May peaked at 56.67 million units, a decrease from 60.09 million units recorded by May 25 last year, and well below the 61.95 million units seen on May 29, 2024. 

UPCL’s recent data shows the average power purchase cost dropped to Rs 4.69 per unit from the approved Rs 5.03 per unit for 2024-25, resulting in a 6.77% cost saving. These savings are passed directly to consumers as discounts on their electricity bills via the Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) mechanism. 

UPCL Director Madanram Arya confirmed the positive impact, stating, this time the demand for electricity is less than last year. Rainfall has had a huge impact. Despite this, the entire situation is being constantly monitored. Electricity is being arranged as per the requirement so that consumers do not face any problem. 

The lower demand has allowed for uninterrupted power supply, a notable change from previous years when rolling blackouts were common during the summer.

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