Government Actions to Meet Summer Electricity Demand

Summary and Important Points:

1. Comprehensive Strategy: The Government, led by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, is proactively planning to meet the electricity demand in the upcoming summer season.

2. Zero Load Shedding: Emphasis on advanced planning to ensure zero load shedding and to prevent power surplus in one state while another faces shortages.

3. Thermal Power Plants' Efficiency: Efforts are underway to reduce partial outages at thermal power plants and to ensure maximum thermal capacity.

4. Maintenance and Capacity Addition: Planned maintenance of power plants is to be shifted to the monsoon season, with a push to speed up new capacity additions across various energy sources.

5. Utilization of Surplus Power: Captive generating stations with surplus power are encouraged to contribute to the power grid.

6. Energy Exchange Sale: Thermal generating stations must offer their surplus power in power exchanges to enhance availability.

7. Technical Minimum Loading: A uniform technical minimum loading of 55% for coal-based power plants to ensure grid stability.

8. Gas-Based Capacity: Reviewing the operationalization of gas-based capacity and considering directives for their operation during summer.

9. Section 11 Directions: Imported-coal-based power plants to receive extended directives under Section 11 till September 2024 for operational continuity.

10. Section 11 of The Electricity Act, 2003 empowers the appropriate government to specify that a generating company must operate and maintain any generating station according to the government's directions in extraordinary circumstances.

Additional Information:

• Heatwave Preparedness: The Indian Meteorological Department's forecast of higher temperatures necessitates robust electricity supply management.

• Demand Growth: Significant growth in peak energy demand and energy generated, especially from coal-based electricity.

• Policy and Regulatory Support: Government's directive actions under The Electricity Act, 2003, showcase a focused approach to manage summer electricity demands effectively.

Examination Perspective and Concise Points for Use:

• Discuss the government's multi-pronged strategy to address electricity demand during the summer.

• Evaluate the impact of shifting maintenance schedules and utilizing surplus power on energy availability.

• Analyze the role of regulatory measures in ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply.

Key Words to Remember:

• Zero Load Shedding

• Thermal Power Plants

• Surplus Power

• Energy Exchange

• Technical Minimum Loading

• Gas-Based Capacity

• Imported-Coal-Based Power Plants

Link to Article : Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

Released On : 02 April 2024