Electricity demand in the country increased by about 2 percent to 133 billion units (BU) in February, which is higher than 131 billion units in the same month last year. This is believed to be the highest level for the month of February at least since 2010. According to the CRISIL Intelligence report, the need for cooling increased due to higher than normal minimum and maximum temperatures in many parts, which led to an increase in electricity consumption. The report estimates that the country’s electricity demand may increase by 1 to 1.5 percent on an annual basis to between 1,705 to 1,715 billion units in the financial year 2026. According to the report, harsh winter, onset of above normal temperatures towards the end of the financial year and steady economic growth could boost power demand, although a prolonged monsoon may have some impact on this growth.