NEW DELHI: The government has asked generating companies to import about nine million tonnes of coal for blending at thermal power stations to meet the projected peak electricity demand of 215,000 MW this year as the economy is expected to rebound.
In an interview, Union power secretary Alok Kumar said the electricity demand is increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% over 2018-19. “We are basing our projections on 2018-19 because that was found to be a normal year if we see the trend line. This year, it was expected that post-Covid-19, the economy would rebound and accordingly, the demand also has increased.”
Kumar said they are expecting electricity demand to hit 2,05,000 MW in April. “…between June and September, we are expecting the peak to touch around 2,15,000 MW.”
