In response to the escalating demand for electricity, power plants reliant on imported coal have been instructed to operate at full capacity until September, per a government directive.
The Ministry of Power announced the extension of Section 11 of the Electricity Act until the end of September, initially set to expire in June. Additionally, the ministry will assess the necessity of a similar mandate for gas-based power plants.
This decision comes amidst a surge in power demand, expected to peak at 260 GW during the summer season, surpassing last year’s record of 243 GW.
Under the Act, the government has the authority to mandate power generating companies to maintain and operate generating stations in exceptional circumstances.
Despite challenges such as high prices of imported coal and reduced viability, imported coal-based plants are urged to operate at maximum capacity to meet the heightened demand.
Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, has instructed a review of the operationalization of gas-based capacity during the summer season.
Furthermore, the ministry plans to explore utilizing any surplus power available from captive generating stations.
The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures across the country this summer, except for some isolated areas.
