Shortage of coal in 10 states including UP, Punjab.. fear of deepening power crisis

Amidst the scorching heat, the power crisis across the country is on the verge of deepening. There has been a huge shortage of coal in ten states including UP, Maharashtra, Punjab. Meanwhile, the cuts have increased due to rising power demand and coal shortages. After many years in Maharashtra, there has been a situation of compulsory power cut.

According to a report, with the onset of summer, coal reserves in the country's power plants have reached a nine-year low. Electricity consumption in factories and industries has increased due to industrial activities getting back on track after the Corona lockdown.

At the same time, as the heat rises, the demand for electricity will increase rapidly. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in April is going to be above normal in most areas of North and Central India. Hence, the demand for electricity is bound to increase. Power cuts have started in many parts of the country.

Three percent less than electricity demand

After many years, such a big power crisis has arisen in Maharashtra, the country's main industrial stronghold. Here 2500 MW of electricity is less than the demand. There is a record demand of 28000 MW in the state, which is 4000 MW more than last year. According to government data, Jharkhand, Bihar, Haryana and Uttarakhand have three per cent less electricity available than the demand.

Coal shortage in these states

Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Telangana.

Electricity demand increased by 1.4% in a week

• According to the data, the power crisis has deepened due to 1.4% increase in demand in the last one week. This figure is more than the demand during the power crisis in October.
• During the severe coal crisis in October, electricity demand grew by one per cent. However, there was a 0.5 per cent reduction in power demand in March.

Power supply less than demand in UP

• There is a demand of 21 to 22 thousand MW power in UP. Whereas only 19 to 20 thousand MW power is being provided.
• The units in the state are generating 4587 MW of electricity. 7703 MW is being supplied by the Central Government.

Four to five days of coal left in Anpara, Obra projects

• The supply of coal from the rail rake to the largest 2630 MW Anpara project of the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Generation Corporation could not start on Wednesday as well. Here 40 thousand metric tonnes of coal is required per day.
• CGM etc. RC Srivastava said, thirty thousand metric tonnes of coal is being available daily from MGR. Efforts are on to start the supply from rail racks.
• The Obra project has only 4-5 days of coal left, while 15 days should be stocked. Of the total five units of 200 MW each, of Obra projects, four are being run at full load. CGM Deepak Kumar said, four rakes of coal are required daily, but only one rake is being available now. This is likely to cause further problems.

25% tolling facility on linkage coal to plants near mines

Union Power Minister RK Singh said on Wednesday, in order to deal with the coal crisis and continue power generation, the central government will give 25 percent tolling facility to the states on linkage coal for the plants near the mines. After a review meeting on imported coal-fired power plants, Singh said, it would be easier to deliver electricity to far-flung states instead of transporting coal.