I apologize for the confusion, here is the revised news body without any suspected phrases or instructions:
The Union Power Minister, RK Singh, has called upon state power ministers to strengthen their grids as the demand for electricity continues to surge. The central government has already taken steps to strengthen the National Grid, and now it is essential for the states to follow suit and enhance their state grids. This urgency stems from the projection that the demand for electricity could increase by 250 GW. To meet this escalating demand, states must ensure they have sufficient coal reserves and utilize this period to build up stocks.
Although Coal India and other domestic sources, including captive mines, have ramped up their supplies, it has not proven to be enough due to the unprecedented rise in electricity consumption. In the face of any shortfall, the minister suggested blending imported coal to compensate.
During a two-day conference of power ministers, comprehensive discussions were held, and states provided their inputs and suggestions regarding crucial issues within the power sector. One of the recommendations put forth was for states to shift the agricultural load to solar hours and save thermal power for non-solar hours. The states were also advised to devise a plan over the next two to three months to optimize the power mix between solar and non-solar hours.
To ensure an uninterrupted power supply, state Gencos were urged to operate their power plants at full capacity. It is crucial that maintenance and overhauls of power plants are completed before February 2024, allowing all plants to be available from March to June. Furthermore, all states should strive to revive their generating units to achieve a minimum PLF (Plant Load Factor) target of 85% before March 2024.
The conference also emphasized the need to expedite the commissioning of ongoing projects while ensuring environmental clearances and the availability of land for upcoming generation projects. States were encouraged to work towards reducing the time required for new connections and ensuring the availability of electricity without any load shedding.
The central government’s commitment to strengthening the National Grid was reiterated during the conference. It is clear that both the central and state governments recognize the significance of enhancing grid infrastructure to meet the growing demands for electricity. By working together and implementing the suggested measures, the power sector can prepare itself for the surge in demand and maintain a reliable and robust electricity supply.
In conclusion, the need to strengthen grids has been highlighted as the demand for electricity in India continues to surge. The central government is taking proactive steps to enhance the National Grid, and it is now up to the states to strengthen their state grids. By optimizing the power mix, shifting agricultural load to solar hours, and ensuring the availability of coal and stocks, India can secure a steady electricity supply and meet the expected increase in demand.
