The MoP has extended the time period of its direction to all thermal plants using imported coal to operate at full capacity by three and a half months, till September 30, 2023, to avoid electricity shortage amid rising demand in the country. The MoP has sent a notice to 15 imported coal-based thermal power projects. Earlier, in February 2023, the MoP had directed all imported coal-based power plants, under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to operate and generate power at their full capacity from March 16, 2023 to June 15, 2023 to avoid electricity shortage.