Thermal plant load factors will approach 70% in FY25; Ind-Ra reports

16 May 2024 CW Team

Ind-Ra expects merchant market prices to remain elevated in FY25, driven by sustained high demand and sluggish thermal capacity expansions. However, it foresees an acceleration in thermal capacity additions over FY25-26, with annual commissioning expected to range between 6-8GW. The new draft tariff norms by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission for FY25-FY29 aim to maintain stability; ensuring regulated returns for existing power plants.

Additionally, the agency predicts continued renewable capacity additions at a pace of 15-18GW annually over FY25-FY26, supported by lower equipment costs, favorable policies, and liquidity availability. However, the pace of execution will hinge on regulatory approaches towards import duties, domestic manufacturing support, and equipment sourcing.

Ind-Ra highlights pumped storage hydro power projects as a viable solution, especially given the economic challenges of battery storage. The agency also notes improvements in the financial position of generating companies, driven by better liquidity in distribution companies and improvements in payment behavior.

Moreover, there's observed a shift in the business model of large corporates towards non-regulated activities and increased renewable capacity. Ind-Ra remains optimistic about the stability of credit metrics for rated sector entities in FY25, supported by additional earnings from new capacities and deleveraging, despite ongoing capital expenditure plans. The agency maintains a stable rating outlook for FY25, confirming sufficient liquidity buffers for most rated issuers in the 'A' and above categories.

(Source: ET Energy)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..