The Ministry of Power (MoP) has directed 112 captive coal-based generating stations with an installed capacity of 50 MW and above to operate and generate power to the maximum extent of their available capacity. The directions have been issued under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and will remain in force from October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
As per the directions, the plants will have to sell their surplus power, after meeting their own captive electricity requirements, through power exchanges in accordance with applicable market regulations and procedures. They will also have to maintain adequate coal stocks to support maximum generation, and submit weekly reports to the Central Electricity Authority on generation, captive consumption, power sold through exchanges or other permitted avenues, available capacity, and coal stocks. The directions have been issued in view of the prevailing power demand-supply position and expected increase in electricity demand in the coming months. Separately, MoP has extended its Section 11 directions for Tata Power’s imported-coal-based Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL) plant until December 31, 2026. The directions for CGPL were originally issued in March 2026 and had earlier been extended until September 30, 2026.