New Delhi: India's power consumption growth remained subdued at 2.2 per cent year-on-year in February to 105.54 billion units (BU), showing the impact of local restrictions imposed by the states due to the third wave of Covid-19.

Power consumption in February 2021 was 103.25 BU, a tad lower than 103.81 BU in the same month of 2020, as per the power ministry data. According to the data, peak power demand met or highest supply in a day rose to 193.64 GW in the month under review compared to 187.97 GW in February 2021 and 176.38 GW in February 2020. Experts are of the view that the power consumption growth remained subdued in February due to the impact of local restrictions imposed by states to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The local restriction had affected industrial and commercial demand, the experts said. The third wave of the pandemic hit the country in January 2022, which forced many states to impose local restrictions like night and weekend curfews. They have also taken measures like banning dining in bars and restaurants. These restrictions were eased gradually by the states in February.