Captive power producers raise concerns over coal shortages

Concerned over reduced coal supplies, a grouping of captive power producers today said the government should ensure equitable distribution of coal among captive and independent electricity generators.

Captive power generation capacity in the country is estimated to be around 34,000 MW.

The Indian Captive Power Producers Association (ICPPA), whose members have around 20,000 MW of generation capacity, said fuel shortages are adversely impacting production as well as overall business activities.

Members of the grouping include those from fertiliser, cement, chemical, tyre and aluminium industries.

Electricity generated from captive plants are used for specific activities while generally independent power production is supplied outside.

ICPPA Secretary Rajiv Agrawal today said that Coal India needs to supply adequate quantity of fuel for captive plants, which should be at par with that supplied for independent power projects.

Agrawal said the association would be making more representations on fuel issues faced by captive plants to Power and Coal Ministries.

The grouping has about 50 members.