New Delhi, July 23 -- Coal continues to remain the backbone of India's electricity system despite the country's rapid renewable energy expansion, with the government telling Parliament that coal-based plants supplied nearly 70 per cent of the country's electricity during the peak summer months and around three-fourths of generation during evening peak demand.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on rising electricity demand, the Ministry of Power said coal (including lignite)-based plants accounted for 69.54 per cent of electricity supplied during April-June 2026. It added that these plants generated 188.8 GW, "around 75% of the total generation" during non-solar peak demand hours, underlining coal's continued role in meeting demand e...