All imported coal-based plants need to be run at full capacity from 16th March. 

On Thursday, The Union Ministry of power mentioned that it has prepared a multi-pronged technique to provide proper power during Summer. As to surge the demand, the government will commission more coal-based power plants and operate gas-based power plants. 

“The ministry has directed NTPC to run its 5000 MW gas-based power stations during the crunch period in April-May. In addition, 4000 MW of additional gas-based power capacity would be added by other entities for availability during the summer months. GAIL has already assured the ministry of power of the necessary supply of gas during the summer months,” according to the statement.

The ministry also plotted a plan to ensure proper water utilization during this month. The plan includes the operation of hydropower plants in consultation with regional and state load dispatch centers.

As per the recommendations from the ministry, two units at Barauni (2X110MW) plant will be made functional during the extreme requirement.

On 7th March, Union Minister of power & new renewable energy, RK Singh, held a meeting to fulfill the high electricity demand in the following months of April-May. 

The secretary of the Ministry of power, Mr. Alok Kumar, Ghanshyam Prasad, chairperson, Central Electricity Authority; SR Narsimhan, CMD, Grid Controller of India; Jaya Verma Sinha, member, Railway Board; Sanjiv Kumar Kassi, joint secretary, ministry of coal; Ramesh Babu, director, operations, NTPC, along with additional senior officials had observed the meeting.

“As part of the strategy, power utilities have been directed to undertake maintenance of coal-based power plants well in advance to avoid disruptions during peak summer months adding that all imported coal-based plants have been asked to run at full capacity from 16 March,” the statement said.

The railway ministry has approved to deliver 418 rakes to various associates of Coal India Ltd, GSS, and captive blocks. The number of rakes in due course so that adequate coal stocks could be kept at power plants. 

As per Central Electricity Authority, peak electricity demand is anticipated to reach 229 GW in April. The demand tapers off as the monsoon rainfalls follow in.