Andhra asks NTPC to step up generation at Simhadri plant

The state energy department has requested public sector power company NTPC to step up generation at its 2,000-Mw Simhadri power project in Visakhapatnam to ensure Andhra Pradesh's full share.

The state is currently receiving only 800 Mw from the Simhadri plant compared with its full share of 1,400 Mw as a part of the installed capacity is kept idle due to shortage in coal supplies, particularly from Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL), according to a press release.

Energy department principal secretary M Sahoo on Tuesday spoke with NTPC authorities on ways to increase the supply in the light of severe power shortage being faced by the state. During his recent visit to Bhubaneshwar, Sahoo met MCL chairman and managing director AN Sahay and requested the latter to enhance coal supplies to Simhadri and other plants in the state in line with the coal linkages.

NTPC officials informed the state authorities about 30,000 Mw of thermal power capacity was lying idle across the country due to coal shortage and Simhadri was not an isolated case, the release said.