In order to help meet the high electricity demand in the country during the summer season, the government of India has decided to operationalize gas-based power plants. To ensure maximum power generation from gas-based generating stations, the government has issued directions to all gas-based generating station under section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Under which the appropriate government may specify that a generating company shall, in extraordinary circumstance operate and maintain any generating station in accordance with the directions of that government).
A signficant portion of the gas-based generating stations is currently un utilized, primarily due to commercial considerations. The order section 11, which is on similar lines as done for imported-coal-based-power plants, aims optimise the availability of power from gas-based generating stations during the ensuing high demand period. The order shall remain valid for generation and supply of power from may 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. The order can be accessed.
Other Measures to Meet Summer Electricity Demand is planned maintenance of power plants to be shifted to monsoon season, New capacity additions to be speeded up, partial outages of thermal power plants being brought down, Surplus power with captive generating stations to be utilized, Surplus power to be offered for sale in energy exchange, Shifting of hydro power generation to peak hours.