In view of increased demand and unprecedented pressure on domestic coal supplies, Ministry of Power, on 05.05.2022 issued direction to all imported Coal Based Plants (ICB) under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to operate and generate power to their full capacity, even for projects which are stressed or under NCLT. These directions will be effective upto period of 30th October, 2022. These directions will ensure that additional electricity is produced through imported coal and will be a net addition. Since domestic coal supply is constrained, therefore, it is imperative that all ICB plants should run to meet the power requirements of the country.
To restart their operations, the ICB plants which are under stress or in NCLT need working capital to buy coal and start generating power. In view of the above, it is directed to take necessary action to arrange short term loans for a period of six months with adequate safeguards, for such plants at the earliest.
