'Ensure No Load Shedding During Summer Months': Centre Tells Power Utilities

Central Electricity Authority estimates show the peak electricity demand will be around 229 GW in April. As per estimates, energy demand is expected to be 1,42,097 MU during April.

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New Delhi: In a bid to meet high electricity demand in the upcoming summer months, Centre has asked the power companies to ensure there is no load shedding and urged stakeholders to take necessary actions to meet the rising electricity demand, news agency PTI reported.

In a review meeting chaired by Union Power Minister RK Singh on March 7, he asked all stakeholders to monitor the situation and take proactive steps to meet the increased electricity demand during summer season.

Singh also asked the Central Electricity Authority to ensure fair and transparent mechanism for allocation of coal to various states and Union Territories.

Central Electricity Authority estimates show the peak electricity demand will be around 229 GW in April. As per estimates, energy demand is expected to be 1,42,097 MU during April, before reducing to 1.41,464 MU in May and further dropping to 1,17,049 MU in November.

Notably, the power ministry has devised a multi-pronged strategy to ensure adequate availability of power during summer months.

As part of the strategy, the power utilities have been asked to undertake maintenance for coal-based power plants well in advance so that no maintenance is required during the crunch period.

It also needs to be ensured that adequate coal stocks are made available at the coal-based power plants.

Notably, the Ministry of Railways has agreed to provide 418 rakes to different subsidiaries of CIL, GSS and captive blocks, and also boost the number of rakes so that sufficient coal stock can be maintained at power plants. Also, gas-based power would be used to meet any peak demand.

The power ministry has directed NTPC to run its 5,000 MW gas-based power stations during April-May. Apart from this, 4,000 MW of additional gas-based power capacity would be added for availability.

GAIL has also assured the Ministry of Power of the necessary supply of gas during the peak summer months.

All the hydro plants have been asked to operate in consultation with RLDCs/SLDCs (Regional/State Load Dispatch Centers) to optimize water utilization for better availability in the next month.

Two units at Barauni (2X110MW) will be made available during the crunch period.