Delhi's Energy Landscape Transforms
New Delhi is undergoing a profound energy consumption transformation. Over the past five years, domestic electricity usage and the adoption of piped natural gas (PNG) have surged, while industrial power demand has sharply declined, according to recent Delhi government data. This divergence highlights a significant shift in the capital's economic activity and residential energy needs.
Domestic Demand Soars
Residential electricity consumption in Delhi has risen by a substantial 21%, climbing from 16,253 million units (MU) in 2019-20 to 19,817 MU in 2024-25. The number of domestic power consumers also saw a robust increase, growing by approximately 24% from over 50 lakh to more than 62 lakh during the same period. This sustained demand points to an expanding urban household sector.
Industrial Sector Shrinks
Conversely, the industrial segment of Delhi's energy market is contracting. Industrial power consumption dropped by over 22%, falling from 3,597 MU in 2019-20 to 2,928.88 MU by 2024-25. The number of industrial electricity consumers has seen an even steeper decline, a 43% fall from 47,645 to just 26,866 consumers over the five-year span. Commercial power consumption saw moderate growth, reaching 8,940.82 MU from 7,606 MU.
The PNG Revolution
Alongside the electricity shifts, a significant transition is occurring in cooking fuel. Households are increasingly opting for piped natural gas (PNG) over traditional LPG cylinders. PNG connections have experienced remarkable growth, jumping by over 88% from 9,13,139 in 2019-20 to 17,23,294 in 2024-25. This surge contrasts with a slight decrease in LPG sales, indicating a clear preference for piped gas infrastructure.