State electricity demand drops by 4,517 MW due to Diwali vacation

A major decline in electricity demand has been observed in Gujarat due to the Diwali and New Year festivals. According to a report by Sandesh, a massive reduction of 4,517 MW in the state's electricity requirement has been recorded during the last 5-day period. Power consumption, which remains high on normal days, has dropped rapidly with the commencement of the festivals.

The highest reduction in power load has occurred due to the declaration of mini-vacations in various industrial areas of the state. Operations are suspended in Surat's textile and diamond industries, chemical and pharma factories in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, as well as engineering and ceramic clusters in Rajkot and Morbi. Production processes have come to a halt as workers depart for their hometowns.

Despite an increase in the use of lighting during the festivals, the power load in residential areas has also decreased as many families are out of town for the holidays. According to energy department experts, this trend of declining electricity demand is likely to continue as industrial operations remain closed until Labh Pancham. Business and industries will resume on the auspicious occasion of Labh Pancham, providing relief to power companies in load management until then.