The country has faced a power crisis in the last year. In April-May, when the demand for electricity was high, there was a coal crisis. This time there is a record breaking demand for electricity in February itself.
Fear of power crisis!
The cold season has gone and the summer has come. Missing spring February has not passed that already the temperature is breaking records. Last year’s heat broke the 122-year-old record. At the same time, in February this year itself, the heat has broken the record of several decades. In Delhi, the mercury is already crossing 32-33, while in areas like Jaisalmer in Rajasthan it is crossing 38 degrees. In the midst of increasing heat, the demand for electricity is also increasing.
Generally, the demand for electricity starts decreasing from October and then starts increasing after March. But this time in January-February itself, the consumption of electricity in the country has increased considerably. Analyzing the figures of the Central Electricity Authority, the demand for electricity is expected to double in the coming two months.
From irrigation in agriculture to increasing the use of coolers, fridges and air conditioners in homes and offices, the consumption of electricity can increase a lot. The sales of these goods are also increasing continuously.
Come, let us try to understand point by point that there is a possibility of power crisis in the country and what is the preparation by the governments.
- Record breaking heat in February itself:The Indian Meteorological Department has recently issued a heat wave alert for many parts of the country including Konkan in Maharashtra and Kutch in Gujarat. Usually these alerts have been issued in April or after that. The mercury in Delhi has crossed 32 degrees and in Jaisalmer-Barmer it has crossed 38 degrees, which is breaking the record of high temperature in 80 years in February. There is every possibility that the heat will reach its peak in March-April itself and the situation will be worse in the month of May-June.
- High power demand: With the increasing heat in February itself, the consumption of electricity is increasing. After March, it will increase further. Last year in January the power demand was 195 GW and in April it was 216 GW. Whereas in January this year itself, this figure has crossed 211 GW. In April this year, the demand for electricity is expected to exceed 230 GW. In Rajasthan, which is included in the hot regions, Electricity Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati has said that the demand for electricity will increase by 30 percent as compared to last summer.
- Dependence on Coal: About 70 percent of India’s total electricity demand is met by coal. The remaining 30 percent electricity is produced from hydropower, solar or other sources. Three-fourth of the total consumption of coal in the country is spent only on electricity generation. There are about 135 thermal power plants in the country, where 1.5 million tonnes of coal is stored for the next 40 days for power generation.
- Last year’s crisis:The country has faced a power crisis in the last year. In April-May, when the demand for electricity was high, there was a coal crisis. Power cuts were also being done in the capital Delhi and many metros. There were reports that there is no coal for more than 2-4 days in many thermal plants of the country. Railway Board Chairman and CEO VK Tripathi had said that the demand and consumption of coal has increased by about 20 per cent in 2022 as compared to 2021. Although the Union Energy Minister had said that there is no shortage of coal. The situation was brought under control in a few days. This is the situation in February this year itself, so there is a possibility of power crisis.
- Preparation of the government: Like last year, preparations are being made from now to ensure that there is no power crisis this year. According to the Ministry of Power, the demand for electricity can reach 229 GW in April. As coal is the source of 70 percent of electricity and since the stock of coal in thermal power plants is currently below the target of 45 million tonnes. In such a situation, the government has asked to complete the stock by the end of March, so that there is no shortage of coal in the plants and uninterrupted power supply during the peak summer.
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