The Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) has predicted a peak power demand of 214 GW in August. In addition, the average energy demand could also increase to more than what it is in the month of May to 1,33,426 million units (MUs).
From Jammu and Kashmir to Andhra Pradesh, consumers are facing power cuts ranging from two hours to eight hours. Factories are most affected by power cuts.
The development assumes significance as the supply of coal is being prioritised to the power sector to replenish the dwindling stock in the wake of reports of an electricity crisis looming large.
There are not going to be any deficiencies that may lead to any shortfall of supply. So that takes care of India's power situation. We are now a power surplus country, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Asked if the Congress was creating a hype claiming shortage of coal, the coal and mines minister said, "I don't want to do politics over this. We have already been meeting the total requirement."