India on April 13, 2024 extended emergency directions requiring imported-coal-based power plants to operate until Oct. 15, while prolonging the related emergency clause through Oct. 31, 2024, to keep nearly 16 GW of capacity available during the high-demand period.
The order covered imported-coal generators, including plants operated by companies such as Tata Power and Adani Power, which are often less competitive in normal dispatch because of higher fuel costs.
The extension came after India’s hydropower output fell 16.3% in the fiscal year ended March 31, the steepest decline in at least 38 years. Hydro’s share of generation dropped to a record-low 8.3%, and reservoir levels were reported at a five-year low ahead of the April-June pre-monsoon period.
Grid-India had also projected a 14 GW shortage during June night-time peak hours, when solar generation is unavailable, citing lower hydropower output and delays in commissioning 3.6 GW of new coal-fired capacity. Other government measures disclosed around the summer demand period included deferring planned maintenance outages, directing gas-based plants to run, reviving idled coal capacity, and advising hydro stations to conserve water during solar hours and maximize output during peak demand windows.