The government requests that all gas-based plants run from May 1 to June 30 due to an increase in demand for power

The government requests that all gas-based plants run from May 1 to June 30 due to an increase in demand for power

In accordance with the agreement, GRID-INDIA will notify GBSs ahead of time about the duration of time that gas-based electricity is necessary.

India's economic expansion has been the primary driver of the country's sharp increase in power consumption, especially during hot weather and peak demand times.

Because of the increased demand for energy owing to the predicted protracted heat wave this summer, the government has ordered all gas-based power producing units to shut down from May 1 to June 30. Commercial concerns account for a large share of the presently unutilized Gas-Based Generating Stations (GBSs).

This summer, from April to June 2024, the government projects a peak electricity demand of 260 GW. In September of last year, peak electricity consumption reached an all-time high of 243 GW. The Center has decided to operationalize GBSs as one of many steps to guarantee that summertime power demand is satisfied. The directive will be in effect for the production and distribution of energy from May 1, 2024, until June 30, 2024, according to a statement from the power ministry.

"To ensure maximum power generation from Gas-Based The production of Stations, the government has issued directions to all Gas-Based Building Stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, under which the appropriate government can direct that a generating company shall, in extraordinary situations operate and maintain any generating station in strict accordance with the directions of that government," said the statement.

The goal of the Section 11 order is to maximize the availability of electricity from GBSs during the subsequent high-demand period. It operates along similar lines as the orders granted to imported coal-based power plants. In accordance with the agreement, GRID-INDIA will notify GBSs ahead of time about the duration of time that gas-based electricity is necessary. GBSs with distribution licenses under electricity Purchase Agreements (PPAs) must first make their electricity available to PPA holders. The electricity will be made available in the power market if it is not used by any PPA holders.

Without a PPA, GBSs are required to sell their generation on the electricity market. The Central Electricity Authority Chairperson has established a high-level committee to assist in the execution of this directive. The government has also fast-tracked new capacity increases, moved scheduled maintenance of power plants to the monsoon season, and partially shut down thermal power facilities in order to fulfill the summer demand.

India's economic expansion has been the primary driver of the country's sharp increase in power consumption, especially during hot weather and peak demand times. For the majority of the nation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal maximum temperatures for the summer of 2024. For the majority of the nation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal maximum temperatures for the summer of 2024.