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Punjab's Power Crisis Deepens as Coal Shortages Hit State Plants
Developing
In Short: Punjab is grappling with a power shortage, with the state government and the Centre in dispute. Coal shortages at state-owned thermal plants have exacerbated the situation, leading to reduced power generation and load-shedding.
Punjab is facing a severe power shortage, with the state government and the Centre in a contentious dispute over the issue.
Data from the power department shows that state-owned thermal plants generated less power than expected during the peak summer months, despite having available capacity.
Coal supplies at Punjab's two state-owned thermal plants have been diverted to private plants, further straining the state's power generation capabilities.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has denied the extent of the problem, stating that the coal shortage is easing, but the situation remains critical.
The two private Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Punjab have also faced coal shortages, with Nabha Power having around seven days of coal and Talwandi Sabo around four days by September 13.
These shortages have resulted in restrictions on industrial supply, load-shedding in some areas, and reduced power availability for agriculture, which is in high demand, reaching up to 17,000 megawatts (MW).
What's still developing
- During the peak summer months between June and August, the two state-owned thermal plants, Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant (GGSSTP), Ropar, and Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant (GHTP), Lehra Mohabbat, generated much less power than their available capacity.
- Coal availability is only one of the several factors responsible.
Sources
- The Indian Expresslink