Gujarat has requested factories to decrease electricity usage during evening hours due to escalating demand and dwindling coal reserves at power plants. This situation is reportedly straining the country’s overall power supply. The state government has advised industries to adjust their production schedules to avoid shortages during peak hours.

The appeal comes as the nation grapples with insufficient battery storage capabilities to retain clean energy generated throughout the day for later use. The Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd, a state-owned power utility, has communicated with both industries and residents through text messages, urging them to conserve energy during the critical evening period, specifically from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Factories are encouraged to voluntarily shift their production to non-peak hours to alleviate the pressure on the electricity grid. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage the increasing demand for power, which has been exacerbated by various factors, including climatic conditions and heightened industrial activity.

Government’s Efforts to Address Power Supply Issues

In addition to urging factories to reduce power consumption, Gujarat has sought extra coal and electricity supplies from the central government. The state is also exploring plans for new coal and nuclear power projects, alongside the establishment of battery storage facilities to better meet future energy demands.

Data from the Central Electricity Authority indicates that approximately half of India’s 191 coal-fired power plants are currently operating with alarmingly low coal inventories. This situation has raised concerns about the reliability of power supply in the coming months.

Factors such as rising temperatures linked to El Niño, increased irrigation requirements, and a surge in industrial activity are contributing to the heightened electricity consumption across the country. Various states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh, are reportedly seeking short-term coal power through tenders to manage their immediate energy needs.

Current Electricity Demand and Supply Gap

India’s total coal stocks at power plants have decreased by approximately 5 per cent since the beginning of October. Concurrently, the daily peak electricity demand has surged by 45 gigawatts (GW) to 50 GW compared to the same period last year. This increase in demand has created significant pressure on the electricity supply system.

The widening gap between electricity demand and availability has become increasingly evident. Last month, the discrepancy between demand and supply reached 560 million kilowatt-hours, marking the highest level since August 2023, according to government statistics. This situation underscores the urgent need for effective measures to stabilise the power supply across the nation.

As the state of Gujarat navigates these challenges, the focus remains on balancing energy supply with demand while ensuring that industries can operate efficiently without contributing to the strain on the power grid. The ongoing efforts reflect a proactive approach to managing the complexities of energy consumption in the face of rising demand and limited resources.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share