Centre orders captive coal plants to maximize output amid surging demand

New Delhi: The Centre has ordered more than 100 captive coal-fired power plants to operate at maximum capacity from October 1 through year-end to meet an expected rise in electricity demand.

The Power Ministry has directed generators to sell surplus electricity through power exchanges. The order, invoked under emergency provisions of the Electricity Act, applies to plants with an installed capacity of at least 50 megawatts.