The Ministry of Power has directed captive coal-based power plants with a capacity of 50 MW and above to generate electricity at their full available capacity. The move is aimed at ensuring enough power supply in the coming months.Key HighlightsThe order covers captive coal-based plants of 50 MW and above.The Ministry of Power has used Section 11 of the Electricity Act.Plants have been asked to maximise available power generation.The move aims to support reliable electricity supply.Government Uses Section 11 of Electricity ActThe Ministry of Power has invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to issue the new direction. Under this provision, the government can direct generating companies to operate power plants in certain situations in the larger public interest.The latest direction focuses on captive coal-based generating stations. These plants mainly produce electricity for their own industrial use. The government wants these plants to make the maximum available electricity during the coming period.The decision comes as the country continues to prepare for changing power demand. The government has taken several steps in recent years to maintain adequate electricity generation and supply.Captive Plants Asked to Maximise GenerationThe direction applies to captive coal-based generating stations with a capacity of 50 MW or more. These plants have been asked to run at their full available capacity.This means plants should use their available generation capacity as much as possible, subject to operational and technical conditions.The government has earlier used Section 11 directions for coal-based power plants during periods of high power demand. In 2024, the Ministry of Power told Parliament that such directions were used to help improve the use of coal-based generation capacity and support reliable electricity supply. Focus on Reliable Power SupplyIndia's power system needs enough generation to meet demand from homes, businesses and industries. The Ministry of Power has also taken other steps to improve supply.Government documents show that power generators have been advised to maintain full availability, except during planned maintenance or forced outages. Steps have also been taken to ensure coal supplies to thermal power plants. The government is also adding new generation capacity. According to a March 2026 Ministry of Power document, around 18,160 MW of thermal capacity was commissioned between April 2023 and January 2026. Another 38,745 MW of thermal capacity was under construction at that time. What the New Direction MeansThe latest order is intended to make better use of existing captive coal-based generation capacity. Higher generation from available plants can add more electricity to the system when it is needed.The move also shows the government's focus on maintaining reliable power availability in the coming months."Directions under Section 11 of the Electricity Act have been issued" to ensure optimum use of coal-based generation capacity and reliable power supply.The Ministry's latest direction therefore puts greater focus on available captive coal-based capacity as India works to maintain adequate electricity supply.
