Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad on Tuesday said that preparations have been made to handle the country’s electricity demand.

In the current summer season, power demand is expected to hit around 270 GW, he told reporters on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the ‘Lineman Diwas’, which was organised by the CEA and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL).

“We are prepared for summer. New installed capacity of around 30-32 GW including renewables is there. We are ensuring that all capacities are online. April to June and August to October are critical months. We are also prepared to meet the extra power requirement for March,” Prasad said.

Preparations for summers

He informed that imported coal-based power plants with 17 GW capacity will run at full capacity till April. Besides, gas-based plants with 10-12 GW capacity that was utilised last year will also be made online in the current season. A tender for procuring gas for 1800 MW capacity has also been floated.

On support from hydro power, the CEA Chairperson said, “We have asked hydro power plants to conserve water wherever possible which we can utilise for generation. This year snowfall was good, so we expect good hydro power generation from April. This time domestic coal situation is also very good and more than last year.”

Prasad commended the transportation of coal via the rail-sea-rail (RSR) mode, or coastal shipping. It has helped replenish stocks and made available more stocks from Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL).

Coal Ministry has said that coal supply through RSR mode, which was 28 million tonnes (mt) in FY22, almost doubled to 54 mt in FY24 and is on an increasing trend.

Asked whether RSR mode of supply will surpass 54 mt achieved in FY24, he said, “We will try to maximise supply through this mode. Will try to surpass it.”

Asked if RSR mode supply will cross 60 mt, Prasad said, “It can go to that. In my view there should not be a problem.”

Lineman Diwas

Lineman Diwas is celebrated to recognise the contributions of linemen and ground maintenance staff, the backbone of India’s power sector.

This year, more than 160 linemen and linewomen from over 45 state and private power distribution, generation, and transmission companies across India came together to share experiences, challenges and key moments in maintaining an uninterrupted power supply.

Gajanan S Kale, CEO of Tata Power DDL, said, “Ensuring safety and well-being of Linemen has always been our top priority, and we urge more and more stakeholders to participate in this event, making it a true celebration of their dedication and service.”