The Ministry of Power has clarified that coal-based thermal plants can use linkage coal to offer surplus power in the power market. This move aims to optimize the utilization of generating stations as India anticipates a hotter-than-normal summer with a record peak demand of 260 GW. The clarification enables thermal power plants to sell surplus electricity generated using linkage coal in the power exchange. The Ministry has also instructed imported coal-based thermal power plants to operate at full capacity until October 15, and idling gas-based thermal plants to remain operational from May until the end of June.