The Indian government has mandated Tata Power Co.’s 4-gigawatt facility in Gujarat to operate at full capacity until the end of December. Current coal supplies at grid-connected power stations have decreased by over 50% compared to last year, now reaching their lowest point in almost three years.

Independent coal plants, which generate approximately 70% of the nation’s electricity, significantly outpace the smaller captive generation facilities.

This initiative comes in response to some of the most severe nighttime power shortages experienced in India this year. An El Niño-induced dry monsoon has reduced hydropower output while simultaneously increasing the demand for electricity for cooling and agricultural irrigation. This month, the shortfall after sunset, when solar energy generation ceases, peaked at 7.7 gigawatts, surpassing the shortages recorded during the summer heatwaves. Consequently, coal plants have been compelled to deplete their fuel reserves.

The ministry emphasized that given the current demand and supply dynamics, it is crucial to maximize the output from all electricity generation sources, including captive plants.

India is likely facing its driest monsoon in 17 years, driven by a strong El Niño that has hampered rainfall from June through September. Recent rainfall has improved conditions slightly, reducing the precipitation deficit from 15% to 13% as of last week.

In the past week, heavy rainfall has alleviated peak power demand, and supply shortages have largely subsided due to cooler temperatures. However, flooding in coal-rich states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand has disrupted mining operations and transportation, continuing to strain power plant inventories.

To enforce these measures, the government has invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act, allowing it to direct power stations to operate during extraordinary situations, including natural disasters.