New Delhi: In anticipation of soaring energy needs during the scorching summer months, the Indian government has instructed thermal power plants to plan ahead and avoid maintenance from April to June. This directive was issued as the Meteorological Department forecasted high energy demand in the summer heat.
The Ministry of Power estimates that the country’s peak energy demand may rise to 260 GW, exceeding last year’s record of 243 GW in September. The forecast warns of particularly severe heat in central and western peninsular regions.
Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh placed importance on uninterrupted power supply during summer, and advised coordinated planning among stakeholders to avoid regional power disparities.
Singh directed thermal power plants to postpone maintenance to the monsoon season, ensuring they run at full capacity during high-demand times. He also called for a review of inactive thermal capacity and pushed for faster deployment of coal, hydro, nuclear, solar, and wind energy sources.
Additionally, the minister required extra power from captive plants to be sold in energy exchanges for better resource management. In response to NTPC’s concerns about power scheduling by Discoms, Singh ordered a uniform technical minimum loading rule for all coal-based power generators.
A meeting is planned with gas-based power project developers to check their readiness for summer. The Ministry of Power noted a 12.7% rise in peak energy demand from 2022-23 to 2023-24, with a 13.9% increase in meeting that demand. These steps aim to prevent power shortages and guarantee a steady electricity supply in the coming summer.
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