Shares of NHPC Ltd. are in focus on Wednesday, March 18, following reports that the Cabinet may discuss the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme. According to sources reported by CNBC Awaaz, the proposed scheme aims to promote small hydro power projects and strengthen clean energy generation in the country. Such projects are particularly important for improving electricity access in hilly and remote regions, where conventional infrastructure remains challenging.
At present, shares of NHPC are trading 1.50% higher at ₹78.04. As reported by CNBC Awaaz, the stock is down about 2% so far in 2026, indicating mixed performance over the longer term despite the recent positive movement.
In a significant development, the government is planning to activate 15 imported coal-based power plants totalling 17 GW capacity to meet rising electricity demands this summer. According to The Economic Times, the government may direct some of these plants to run at full capacity under Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003, which allows operation under extraordinary circumstances. This initiative comes as peak power demand is projected at 271 GW this year, higher than last year's summer peak of 243 GW.
A parliamentary panel has advised the Department of Economic Affairs to establish a strategic energy mitigation framework to protect the economy from oil price shocks once prices breach the $90-per-barrel threshold. The suggestion by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance assumes importance as Brent crude oil prices have exceeded $100 per barrel in recent days due to the war in West Asia, having surged by about 40% in March. The panel also called for a coordinated national strategy and accelerated efforts to shore up the supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has flagged a 'deep-rooted managerial crisis' in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and urged the government to overhaul leadership appointments. According to The Economic Times, 53 CPSEs are functioning without full-time chairmen and managing directors (CMDs). The panel also called for a review of the dividend policy for CPSEs to allow greater flexibility in retaining earnings, noting that rigid payout expectations could constrain investments in research and development and capacity expansion.
The potential Cabinet discussion has generated investor interest in NHPC shares, with the stock showing positive momentum on Wednesday. According to CNBC Awaaz, this development is being closely watched by market participants as it relates to the company's core business in hydro power generation and development. The broader market context shows mixed performance across sectors, with various stocks showing significant movements in response to different policy developments.
