As we approach the scorching summer months, ensuring a steady supply of electricity becomes paramount. The Government of India, under the leadership of Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, is leaving no stone unturned to meet this challenge head-on. Let’s delve into the comprehensive measures being undertaken to ensure a seamless power supply during the upcoming summer season.
Planning and Coordination Efforts:
Recognizing the importance of meticulous planning and coordination, the government has emphasized the need for zero load shedding during the summer season. Stakeholders are urged to engage in advanced planning to prevent any power imbalances between states. Meetings chaired by the Union Minister have stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure adequate power supply across the nation.
Addressing Partial Outages:
Efforts are underway to minimize partial outages in thermal power plants, which are crucial for meeting peak electricity demand. Regular reviews of power capacity status are being conducted to ensure maximum availability and to suggest measures for further reduction in partial outages.
Maintenance Planning:
Scheduled maintenance of power plants is being strategically shifted to the monsoon season to minimize disruptions during peak summer months. This proactive approach aims to optimize the operational efficiency of power plants while ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers.
Expediting Capacity Additions:
The government is expediting capacity additions across various energy sources, including coal, hydro, nuclear, solar, and wind. Monitoring of these projects is being intensified to accelerate their commissioning and enhance overall power generation capacity.
Utilization of Surplus Power:
Efforts are being made to harness surplus power from captive generating stations and offer it for sale in energy exchanges. This surplus power can play a crucial role in balancing demand-supply dynamics and ensuring a stable electricity grid.
Ensuring Technical Minimum Conditions:
To enhance grid reliability, uniform technical minimum loading of 55% of unit capacity is being mandated for all coal-based thermal power plants. This measure aims to ensure optimal operational conditions and safeguard the reliability of the power grid.
Review of Gas-Based Capacity:
The operationalization of gas-based power projects is under review, with potential directives under Section 11 of The Electricity Act, 2003, to ensure their functioning during the summer season. Extending Section 11 directives for imported-coal-based power plants further underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a reliable power supply.
Stakeholders’ Involvement:
Key stakeholders, including Union Power Secretary Shri Pankaj Aggarwal, and senior officers from various organizations, are actively involved in these deliberations. Their expertise and collaboration are essential in implementing these initiatives effectively.
Background and Outlook:
With the Indian Meteorological Department projecting higher-than-normal temperatures across the country, electricity demand is expected to surge. Despite this, recent trends indicate a significant increase in peak energy demand, which has been met with a corresponding rise in energy availability. The total electricity generated, especially from coal-based sources, has witnessed substantial growth, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing power infrastructure.
As we brace ourselves for the summer heat, the government’s proactive measures instill confidence in the reliability of our electricity supply. Through meticulous planning, coordination, and strategic interventions, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply, thereby meeting the energy needs of the nation during the challenging summer months.