Abstract

Electricity use among India’s water and wastewater utilities has surged over the past decade, driven by rising demand, ageing infrastructure, and inefficiencies in pumping and distribution. Yet behind this surge lies a powerful opportunity: by tightening operations, upgrading equipment, and cutting system losses, utilities can sharply reduce costs and reshape their energy footprint. Drawing on national data, state-level patterns, and examples from leading cities, this report shows that rightsizing demand, modernising pumps, and cutting water losses could reverse years of rising electricity use and save up to Rs 5,500 crore annually for Indian utilities. With targeted reforms, Indian utilities can restore energy use to sustainable levels while achieving substantial financial savings.