According to the Union Power & NRE Minister, Shri R. K. Singh, India’s energy consumption has seen a year-on-year growth of 10.4% from April 2022 to February 2023, while energy consumption in February 2023 has grown by 8% compared to February 2022. However, the peak demand for March 2023 has been projected as 212 GW, but the current reported demand is 209 GW. The months of April and May 2023 are expected to have a high demand for power. The peak demand for the summer period in 2023-24 is expected to reach around 229 GW.
To meet the increased demand for power, the government has taken various measures. The availability of generation capacity is being ensured, and maintenance work is being completed before the high-demand period. No planned maintenance will be taken during the high demand period in April and May 2023. The government is coordinating with the Ministries of Coal and Railways to increase the production and dispatch of coal as much as possible. Timely import of required coal for blending purposes is being asked for, and captive coal blocks are being asked to maximize production to supplement the coal supply from domestic coal companies.
Additional arrangements for gas supply to run gas-based power stations during high demand months are also being planned. Import-based coal plants have been issued statutory directions to stock coal and generate power during the high demand period.
This information has given by the Union Minister of Power Sh. R.K. Singh in the Lok Sabha.
