Union Power Minister RK Singh Reviews The Power Situation During The Upcoming Summer Months; Asks Companies To Ensure No Load-shedding | Electricity Crisis: Government in action before summer season, Energy Minister told power companies

Electricity Demand: Even before the arrival of the summer season, due to the increase in temperature, there is a possibility of power cut in the coming months. In such a situation, the Ministry of Energy has swung into action to provide relief to the people and prevent power cuts. Union Energy Minister RK Singh has asked the power companies to ensure that people do not face power cuts during the summer season. He has asked all the stakeholders to take necessary steps to meet the increasing demand of electricity.

Union Energy Minister has held an important review meeting with the officials of Ministry of Railways, Coal and Power. In this meeting, he has reviewed the situation of electricity production and supply in the country in the coming summer season, especially in April and May 2023. Releasing a statement regarding the meeting, the Ministry of Power said that the Union Minister has asked all the stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take pre-emptive steps to meet the power demand in the coming months. RK Singh has asked the Central Electricity Authority to make a fair and transparent system for allocation of coal to the states and union territories. The authority estimates that this year the peak demand for electricity could be 229 GW in April.

In order to maintain uninterrupted power supply during the summer season, power companies have been asked to do maintenance work in Coal-Best Power Plant in advance so that there is no need for maintenance during the crisis. Under Section-11, all import-based coal-best power plants have been asked to produce electricity with their full capacity from March 16, 2023. The supply of coal will be increased at the thermal power plant. In the meeting, the Railway Board member has assured to provide adequate number of rakes for the transport of coal. Ministry of Railways has given consent to provide 418 rakes to different subsidiaries of Coal India and GSS. Along with this, the number of racks will be increased so that sufficient coal stock can be kept in the power plant.

During peak-demand, gas-based power will be supplied. The Ministry of Power has asked NTPC to keep the 5000 MW gas-based power plant operational during April-May. Apart from this, other gas-based power companies will separately ensure 4000 MW power supply. Gas Authority of India (GAIL) has assured to maintain the gas supply. All hydro power plants have been asked to coordinate with regional and state load dispatch centers to maintain availability. The production of 2920 MW of electricity from the new coal-based power plant will be commissioned by the end of this month. After getting the instructions from the Ministry, two units (2X110MW) of Barauni will be made available in time of power crisis.

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