Govt pulls all stops to ensure uninterrupted power supply
To meet peak electricity demand in the searing summer season, says R K Singh, Power Minister
New Delhi: The government has asked all power plants to operate at full capacity as it pulls all the stops to meet peak electricity demand in the searing summer season, Power Minister R K Singh said on Thursday.
With the meteorological department forecasting a harsh and long summer, the government has asked all plants that are shut for maintenance or other reasons, to quickly start operating and harness surplus power available at generating stations dedicated to specific users. The government is also ensuring that thermal power plants - the backbone of India’s electricity supply - have enough coal stocks to last through June and has asked all units to offer their uncontracted or surplus power in power exchanges. In an interview, Singh exuded confidence of meeting peak summer demand without any disruption.
He said, “We are mobilising our entire capacity whether it is thermal, hydro, renewable or gas-based. So I think we will meet the demand.” The Ministry of Power has projected a peak power demand of 260 gigawatt (GW) this summer (April-June), higher than the record of 243 GW in September last year. The ministry had projected 229GW of peak power demand last year, but due to unseasonal rains the all-time high demand was recorded at 243GW in September 2023.
