Covid Impact on South Asian Power Sector

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a lasting and far-reaching effect on all nations of the world, including the densely populated South Asia region. While the actual long-term impact of this outbreak would become apparent only with time, the early impacts on the power sector are gradually becoming visible. Existing unutilized production capacity scenario, combined with the Covid-19 impact, would have an adverse impact on the overall financial health of South Asian Power Sector (SAPS).  There is significant decline in the power consumption in industrial and commercial units, albeit with a rise in domestic consumption. The strategies of the power sector need to be realigned to this altered scenario. Distribution utilities, with regard to manpower and finances, are facing challenges and need to adapt to this new and still-evolving situation. A SAPS that ensures sustained, secure and reliable supply of electricity is critical in the nations’ fight against Covid-19 disease. At SARI/EI, we attempted to analyze and assess the impact of Covid-19 on the Indian and South Asian power sector, in terms of the challenges and mitigation strategies. Through a series of papers/ articles, our highly proficient research team aims to decode the impact of how the power sector in South Asia should cope up in this “new normal” scenario.