India’s Power Output Falls 6% in October; Coal Generation Drops 13.2%

India’s power output fell at the fastest pace since the pandemic in October, as subdued industrial activity and unusually wet weather reduced electricity demand and cooling needs, according to a Reuters analysis of Grid-India data.

Overall Electricity Generation

Total electricity generation in October dropped 6% year-on-year to 142.45 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), marking the steepest monthly decline since 2020. Growth in electricity consumption has slowed this year amid a broader economic slowdown and heavy rains.

Coal-Fired Power Decline

Coal-based generation, which typically accounts for about 75% of India’s electricity output, fell 13.2% YoY to 98.38 billion kWh in October. Coal-fired output has declined in six out of ten months this year, the most since 2020, reflecting weaker demand for fossil fuels.

Impact on Coal India

The drop in coal demand has affected Coal India, the country’s largest miner, which reported its sharpest profit decline in five years for the September quarter. In October, Coal India’s production fell about 10%, while coal supply to power plants dropped 6%.

Renewable Energy Surge

India’s renewable energy generation rose sharply, reaching 19.75 billion kWh in October, up 30.2% from a year earlier. This growth highlights the increasing contribution of clean energy sources to the country’s power mix.

Read More: India Surpasses 500 GW in Installed Power Generation.

Conclusion

India’s October power data reflects a sharp decline in coal-based generation and overall electricity output, driven by weak industrial demand and favourable weather conditions. At the same time, renewable energy continues to gain momentum, reinforcing the country’s transition toward cleaner sources.

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