Flexible operation

A committee constituted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has found that operating thermal power plants at 55% minimum technical load (MTL) with conservative ramping rates does not result in significant damage to generating units. The report, based on multiple meetings held between July and October 2025, also recorded NTPC’s reluctance to participate in mandated pilot projects for two-shift operation, which has delayed the development of a compensation framework. The committee was formed after a…