| Work Detail |
With power demand expected to rise during the summer and monsoon periods (April-June and August-October), the Power Ministry has operationalized 1,744 MW of gas-based power capacity, primarily through state-run NTPC. The capacity will be active from March to October to help manage high electricity consumption. According to Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, India’s monitored natural gas-based power plant capacity stood at 23,636 MW as of January 31, 2025. In response to growing demand, the Ministry has introduced schemes for competitive procurement of power from gas-based plants during peak periods. The latest scheme will see these plants operational from March 16 to October 15. Similar initiatives were implemented in previous years, with 1,010 MW of gas-based power activated in April-May 2023 and 860 MW in March-June 2024. To facilitate the use of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), the Centre has placed LNG imports under the Open General Licensing (OGL) category, allowing power plants to procure LNG on mutually agreed terms with sellers. India’s peak daytime power demand is projected to reach 270 GW this season, surpassing the 250 GW recorded in May 2024. Meanwhile, coal stocks at thermal power plants (TPPs) are at a five-year high, with 55.9 million tonnes available as of March 9, 2025—sufficient to sustain operations at 85% plant load factor (PLF) for 19 days. With domestic coal supplies improving, the Ministry has not extended its advisory for coal blending beyond October 15, 2024. Captive coal block operators have been directed to maximize production, while imported coal-based (ICB) plants must stock coal and generate power during peak periods. Under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, ICB plants are mandated to operate at full capacity until April 2025, with a possible extension until June 2025. In addition to gas-based power, hydroelectric generation is being managed to conserve water for peak demand periods. The Ministry is also limiting planned maintenance of power units to ensure maximum availability during high-demand months. |
