As many as 184 thermal power plants with a total generation capacity of 211GW have 68 per cent of normative coal stock levels amid rising electricity demand due to soaring temperatures in the country.

According to the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) May 3 daily report, 184 plants, that are monitored by the CEA, have 47.78 million tonnes (mt) of coal stocks against the normative level of 70.55mt.

This assumes significance given power ministry projections that peak demand will be 260GW during this summer. The peak power demand was at an all-time high of 243GW in September 2023.

Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day rose to 224.18GW in April 2024 against 215.88GW in April 2023. The highest supply in a day has already touched 223.84GW on May 3, 2024, which is higher than 221.42GW recorded in May 2023.

The peak power demand met was 219.37GW on May 1 and 222.03GW on May 2 this year.

In view of the projected high demand for electricity, the ministry has taken many steps which include mandatory running of imported coal-based plants in the country to bridge the demand-supply gap.

The ministry has also asked the domestic coal-based power plants to import coal for six per cent blending.

Power sector experts say demand could have been more than 224GW recorded in April but the unseasonal spell of rain reduced the requirement for cooling appliances such as air conditioners and desert coolers.

They said the demand may go to the projected level in May and June with soaring mercury levels.