The Centre has stated that there is adequate installed power generation capacity in the country, even as it has activated a series of measures to ensure reliable electricity supply during the upcoming summer peak demand period.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, 30 March, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said that the present installed generation capacity of the country stands at 524 GW as of February 2026, indicating sufficient availability of power to meet demand.
The minister noted that India has added 299.87 GW of generation capacity since April 2014, transforming the country from power deficit to power sufficient.
The minister said about 10 GW of gas-based power contributes during non-solar hours in the high-demand summer months.
He added that natural gas availability and price volatility remain a challenge due to the West Asia crisis.
However, the minister said that generators are exploring alternate sources.
Despite these constraints, the system is adequately positioned to meet summer demand with other alternate sources i.e. coal-based Generation, Renewables Energy and Energy Storage System compensating for reduced gas-based generation, the minister said.
According to the minister, to ensure uninterrupted supply during the April to June 2026 period, the government has initiated several operational and policy interventions.
Directions under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 have been issued to commence operations at Tata Power’s Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL) plant with a capacity of 4,000 MW from 1 April 2026.
This is expected to enhance power availability across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.
Further, planned maintenance of thermal power plants has been deferred, making around 10,000 MW of additional capacity available during the peak summer months.
Coal availability has also been strengthened, with total stock at coal-based plants standing at 58.2 million tonnes as of 22 March 2026. This is sufficient to meet operational requirements for an average of 19 days at 85 per cent plant load factor.
The government has also ramped up coal logistics, with average rake loading of domestic coal reaching 465 rakes per day over the last 10 days.
Coal India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and captive coal mine operators have been directed to further increase supply.
In addition, Coal India Limited has been advised to conduct auctions under Window-I and Window-II of the Revised SHAKTI policy 2025 to ensure sustained coal availability for power generation.
On the renewable side, accelerated clearances are being provided for commissioning of renewable energy projects, particularly wind power plants and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Hydropower generation is also being scheduled strategically to conserve water while ensuring availability during peak demand periods.
The Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026 have been notified to promote captive power generation by industries, while all generating companies, including independent power producers and central generating stations, have been advised to maintain full operational availability on daily basis excluding the period of planned maintenance or forced outage.
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