NTPC posts 12% rise in Q1 FY27 profit, beating forecasts

New Delhi – State-run power generator NTPC Ltd. delivered a stronger-than‑expected result for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026‑27 (April‑June). On a year‑over‑year basis the consolidated net profit climbed 12 percent to reach Rs 53.4 billion, surpassing market estimates of roughly Rs 48 billion. The surge was driven by a sharp jump in electricity consumption as the country endured an intense heat wave, pushing demand for power to record levels.

During the quarter, total electricity sales grew about 3 percent compared with the same period last year, and revenue followed a similar 3 percent upward trend. NTPC also expanded its generation fleet by adding 196 MW of new capacity, even though the retirement of a 440 MW coal plant scheduled for September 2025 limited net capacity growth.

Thermal plants saw an improvement in plant load factor (PLF), rising to 76.7 percent from 75.2 percent a year earlier. The Ministry of Power reports that overall coal‑based plant utilization across India increased by roughly three percentage points, especially during evening hours when solar output falls.

NTPC’s generation mix remains heavily weighted toward coal and natural gas, together accounting for more than 80 percent of installed capacity, including joint‑venture assets. The company continues to diversify its portfolio, expanding renewable projects and outlining plans to add nuclear power capacity as part of its long‑term decarbonisation strategy.