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Central Electricity Authority
In one line: The expert body that plans and watches over India's power system.
What it does
The Central Electricity Authority, set up under electricity law and now working under the Electricity Act, 2003, advises the government on power policy. It prepares national electricity plans, sets technical standards and collects data on generation, demand and fuel stocks.
Why data matters
Without accurate data, planners cannot tell when shortages are coming. That is why the new order asks captive plants to send weekly reports on generation, sales and coal stocks to the Authority.
Link to this story
The Authority will track whether the 112 plants are actually running at full capacity.
Where to go next
- Electricity Act 2003: The law that reshaped India's power sector
- Captive Power Plants: Factories' own power stations
Central Electricity Authority in the news
- Centre orders 112 captive coal plants to run at full capacity till December 27 September 2026
The technical brain of the power sector
- Nearly 40% of coal power plants are critically low on fuel 22 September 2026
Who monitors plant stocks
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS3 · 15 marks Explain the key challenges for India's energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability?
- 2025 · GS3 · 10 marks How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?
- 2022 · GS3 · 15 marks Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above…
- 2021 · GS1 · 10 marks Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
- 2017 · GS1 · 10 marks 'In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.' Discuss.
- 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marks To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?