Centre orders 112 captive coal plants to run at full capacity through December
The Power Ministry has directed 112 captive coal-based generating stations of 50 MW and above to operate at maximum available capacity from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Power has directed captive coal-based generating stations with an installed capacity of 50 MW and above to run at their maximum available capacity from October 1 to December 31, 2026, anticipating higher electricity demand in the coming months.
The order, dated September 25, carries an annexure naming 112 captive generating entities that fall under the directive. It has been issued under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, a provision that allows the government to require generating stations to operate in a specified manner in the public interest.
The ministry said it was taking a range of steps to ensure consumers receive adequate electricity, citing the current demand-supply position and the expected increase in demand. It added that making the most of every available source of generation, including captive plants, was necessary to optimise supply.
Besides running at full available capacity, the listed plants must offer any surplus power left after meeting their own captive needs through power exchanges, following applicable market rules and procedures.
The 112 facilities span sectors including steel, aluminium, cement, petroleum, fertilisers, paper and chemicals. Among the entities named in the annexure are units of Tata Steel, Vedanta, Hindalco Industries, JSW Steel, UltraTech Cement, Indian Oil Corporation and NALCO.
Generators have also been told to keep sufficient coal stocks so that fuel availability does not constrain output during the three-month period. They are required to send weekly reports to the Central Electricity Authority covering generation, captive consumption, power sold through exchanges or other permitted channels, available capacity and coal stocks.
The directions will stay in force until December 31, 2026, the ministry said, keeping in view the power demand-supply situation and the need to maintain adequate electricity availability on the grid.