Why in News?

• Amid an unusual surge in electricity demand in September 2026, the Centre has invoked emergency provisions under Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003.
• It directs around 112 coal-based captive power plants (CPPs) to operate at maximum available capacity from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
• The move aims to maximise electricity generation, ensure adequate power availability and address the possibility of sustained high demand beyond the usual summer peak.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Electricity Demand
• Emergency Directions to CPPs
• Other Measures
• Significance of the Government's Intervention
• Conclusion

Electricity Demand:

• Unprecedented surge:
  • Record peak demand: On September 10, 2026, India's peak electricity demand reached 269 GW, the highest ever recorded for September.
  • Near-summer levels: The demand was close to the year's highest peak of 270 GW, recorded in May 2026.
  • Unusual trend: Electricity demand generally declines after the summer months (April–July). However, demand has remained exceptionally high this September.
• Factors behind the demand surge:
  • According to power sector experts, the unusually high electricity demand is attributable to -
    • Persistent heat: Continued high temperatures have increased electricity consumption for cooling.
    • Deficient rainfall: Inadequate rainfall has contributed to higher demand for electricity.
    • Increased irrigation demand: Greater dependence on electric pumps for irrigation has added to the demand.
    • El Niño: Weather conditions associated with El Niño have potentially intensified heat and rainfall irregularities.
  • September has recorded the year's highest peak demand only twice in recent years—in 2020–21 and 2023–24.

Emergency Directions to CPPs:

• Section 11 of the Electricity Act empowers the government to require generating companies to operate in extraordinary circumstances to ensure electricity supply.
• The directive covers all coal-based captive power plants with an installed capacity of 50 MW or more.
• Key provisions:
  • Maximum generation: Captive power plants must operate at the maximum level of their available capacity.
  • Surplus power supply: After meeting their own electricity requirements, plants must offer surplus electricity through power exchanges, in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Adequate coal stocks: Generators must maintain sufficient coal reserves to ensure uninterrupted operations and maximise electricity generation.
  • Weekly reporting: Plants must submit weekly reports to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), detailing electricity generation, captive consumption, surplus power sales, available capacity and coal stocks.
• What are CPPs?
  • These are electricity-generation facilities established and operated by industrial enterprises or groups of industries primarily to meet their own electricity requirements.
  • Unlike conventional power plants, their primary purpose is not to supply electricity to the public grid.
  • However, they can contribute to grid stability by supplying surplus electricity when required.

Other Measures:

• Extension of emergency provisions:
  • The Ministry of Power has separately extended the emergency mechanism for Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL), Tata Power's 4-GW imported coal-based power plant, until December 31, 2026.
  • The plant has been operating under Section 11 directions since March 2026.
  • Before March, it had remained largely idle for nearly six months because of high imported coal prices and the absence of a viable power purchase arrangement.
  • The extension was limited to Tata Power's plant because other imported coal-based power plants were operational and were not facing similar difficulties.
• Tariff determination:
  • Invoking Section 11 for high-cost power plants can create financial challenges because imported coal and gas-based electricity are often more expensive than conventional domestic coal-based power.
  • To address this, a committee chaired by the Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) determines the tariff for electricity procured from such plants.
  • The committee considers relevant input costs, including fuel expenses, while determining the procurement tariff.
  • Tariff-related measures have been used to protect consumers from sudden increases in electricity prices.

Significance of the Government's Intervention:

• Ensuring energy security: Mobilising captive power generation can help bridge the gap between electricity demand and available supply.
• Improving grid reliability: Additional electricity from captive plants can strengthen the availability of power during periods of unusually high demand.
• Efficient utilisation of generating capacity: Requiring plants to operate at maximum available capacity can help utilise existing infrastructure.
• Supporting industrial and agricultural demand: Increased electricity availability can help meet the requirements of industries, households and irrigation.
• Reducing supply disruptions: Mobilising surplus power through exchanges can provide additional electricity to the grid when required.

Conclusion:

• The Centre's decision to invoke Section 11 reflects the challenges posed by increasingly unpredictable electricity demand.
• The unusual September demand surge highlights the importance of maintaining adequate generation capacity, fuel reserves and flexible power procurement mechanisms.
• In the longer term, improving demand forecasting, diversifying energy sources and strengthening grid infrastructure will be essential for ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply.