Visakhapatnam: At a time when Visakhapatnam is reeling under severe heat wave conditions, power consumption in the city has seen an unprecedented surge recently.

The rise in energy consumption eventually resulted in increased power load. To ensure 24/7 power supply to consumers, Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has set up a control room centre.

In districts under APEPDCL's jurisdiction-Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram and Eluru-power consumption increased by 8.4 percent in Million Units (MU) on May 3 compared to the previous year. By May 25th, power consumption witnessed a rise of 49.9 per cent of MU within the company limits compared to 2025 May. For the initial 26 days of the May month, Srikakulam district alone registered a power consumption of 200.773 Million Units. 294.581 MU in Vizianagaram, 867.897 MU in Visakhapatnam, 579.872 MU in Rajamahendravaram and 658.034 MU in Eluru have been registered up to May 26th.

Compared to the previous year, APEPDCL's average consumption so far in May indicated a 23.67 percent hike. Usage of electrical appliances has also risen sharply in urban homes. Air conditioners and air-coolers have become an indispensable part of the middleclass households. With no-cost EMIs, huge amount of discounts and seasonal sale offering cost-effective options, air-conditioners are no longer considered a luxury but a 'fundamental necessity' in urban households.

Additionally, the West Asia conflict led to increased usage of induction cooktops, electric cookers and other home appliances, further multiplying energy consumption. As a number of districts show an apparent shift in energy consumption patterns, experts forecast that power demand will only double in the future. However, sudden showers in the region over the past few days brought much-needed relief from heat stress. Consequently, power consumption dipped during the same period.