NEW DELHI:
India recorded its highest electricity shortage in more than three years in September, despite coal-fired power plants operating at elevated levels, according to government data.
The rise in demand has been attributed in part to increased industrial activity and weather conditions. The El Niño pattern has contributed to warmer and drier conditions in several parts of the country, increasing electricity consumption.
Coal-based power stations have been operating at high utilisation levels for several consecutive months. However, the increase in generation has not fully matched the rapid growth in demand.
The Centre has already directed more than 100 captive coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity from October 1 to the end of the year to help meet the expected rise in electricity demand.
The developments highlight the challenge of maintaining adequate power supplies while demand continues to grow across industrial, commercial and residential sectors.