Annual electricity consumption in Uttar Pradesh has more than doubled in the last 12 years, according to officials.
Officials on Thursday stated that this not only reflects an increase in demand, but also highlights structural changes in the state’s power sector. The increase in the number of consumers and the increase in supply hours have posed a new challenge for the government.
According to data from the Uttar Pradesh State Load Dispatch Center, annual electricity consumption increased from 76,574.6 million units in 2012-13 to 162,858.1 million units in 2025-26 – an increase of more than 113 per cent. Average daily consumption also increased from 209.8 million units to 445.7 million units.
Officials said many cities and towns previously received limited hours of electricity. In the last 8-9 years, many urban areas have been receiving nearly 24-hour electricity. Supply times have also increased significantly in rural and semi-urban areas.
A senior official said that increased electricity availability also increases consumption, as demand is suppressed when electricity is unavailable. Consumers can use only the electricity they receive.
Previously, limited power supply hours prevented refrigerators, coolers, air conditioners, pumps, and other appliances from operating continuously. Now, with longer power supply hours, their usage has increased. Commercial establishments and industries also consume more electricity when the supply is reliable.
A major reason for the rapid increase in consumption is the increase in the number of consumers. Domestic electrification campaigns and increased connectivity have led to a rapid increase in the number of connections.
Analysts say that if both consumer numbers and supply increase, it is not unusual for total consumption to double. However, per capita electricity consumption in Uttar Pradesh remains one of the lowest in the country.
“The use of cooling appliances, especially ACs, has become commonplace. Expansion of commercial activities and rising living standards are driving up consumption per household. The widening gap between peak and minimum consumption also reflects a sharp seasonal demand surge,” said VP Trivedi, a former UPPCL official and expert.