Power Ministry to monitor hydropower output

New Delhi: The power ministry will closely monitor hydroelectricity availability amid forecasts of a deficient monsoon, although operations at hydroelectric power plants remain unaffected for now, government officials said.

The ministry, through the Grid Controller of India, will continue to assess rainfall projections, including the weather office's forecast next month, to evaluate any potential impact on power generation.

"Grid-India is working on it. Any shortfall can be met from thermal sources," said one of the officials, who did not wish to be identified.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-average southwest monsoon rainfall at 90% of the long period average during the June-September period.

In such cases, as witnessed in 2023, power demand usually goes up on account of increased irrigation needs and cooling requirement due to sultry weather.

India saw higher demand for irrigation and cooling in August and September 2023 during a deficient monsoon year, with the peak demand reaching a record 240 GW in September.

Officials said contingency measures are in place to deal with any situation, such as making thermal power capacity available by deferring planned maintenance to bridge potential gaps in generation.

"In September, 250 GW peak demand is expected and accordingly resource assessment has been done. Optimistically, it should be met. Otherwise, contingency measures could be rolled out such as deferring maintenance shutdowns," said another person.

This year, India saw peak power demand soaring to a fresh record in May, with the highest reaching 270 GW, in line with Grid-India's projection, led by more than usual heatwave days and higher than normal temperatures.