Centre orders gas-powered plants to commence operations due to increasing summer demand

**Centre to operationalise gas-based power plants to meet high electricity demand

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) – The Ministry of Power announced on Saturday that the government is set to operationalise gas-based power plants to address the surge in electricity demand during the upcoming summer season.

In a bid to maximize power generation from Gas-Based Generating Stations (GBSs), the government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003. This move comes as a response to the underutilization of GBSs due to commercial reasons.

The order, valid from May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, aims to optimize power availability during peak demand. GRID-INDIA will notify gas-based generating stations in advance about the required number of operating days, ensuring effective planning.

Gas-based generating stations with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will prioritize supplying power to PPA holders. If unutilized, the excess power will be offered in the open market. Stations without PPAs will also contribute their generation to the power market.

A committee led by the Central Electricity Authority Chairperson has been formed to oversee the implementation of the operationalization of gas-based power plants. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to meeting the rising electricity demand in the summer months.

Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, has chaired discussions emphasizing the importance of ensuring sufficient power supply to meet the seasonal load requirements. This initiative is part of a series of measures taken to address the summer’s electricity demands.

The operationalization of gas-based power plants is a strategic step by the government to tackle the increasing electricity demand during the summer months, ensuring adequate power supply to meet the nation’s needs.

–IANS
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