India has activated emergency measures to boost power generation from gas-fired plants to prevent summer blackouts amid rising electricity demand due to high temperatures. Under a power ministry directive, these plants—operating at just 20% of their 20 GW capacity—will be required to run during peak demand periods from May 26 to June 30.
They’ll receive two weeks’ notice to arrange fuel, with guaranteed offtake and payment security. The government invoked Section 11 of the electricity law, citing public interest and ongoing shortages during non-solar hours. Peak demand is expected to surpass last summer’s record of 250 GW.
India faces power shortages as demand outpaces supply, especially during evenings. Solar leads capacity growth but is limited after sunset. Gas demand is expected to rise from late May, with Petronet LNG preparing for full-capacity operations.
