Coal stocks at 56 thermal plants critical: CEA

Coal stock position at thermal power plants remains critical as more than half of the generating stations have less than a week's fuel stock.

According to the latest data (September 29) of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), 56 coal-based power plants reported critical fuel stocks of less than seven days.

As many as 11 power stations were left with nil stocks on the day, the data said.

Of the 56 stations, 33 had less than four days of stockpiles. These 33 stations include 10 power stations run by the country's leading thermal power producer NTPC.

NTPC plants include the Indira Gandhi thermal power stations in Haryana, Rihand, Singrauli, Tanda and Unchahar plants in Uttar Pradesh, Korba and Sipat (Chhattisgarh), Farakka and Durgapur (West Bengal) and Kahalgaon in Bihar.

CEA said all the power projects of NTPC and most of the 11 stations (with nil stocks) received less supplies from Coal India during the period.

The coal ministry had last week reviewed the situation and said the government will address the issue.

An official said coal production at might improve only after the festive season.

Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal had said during the first quarter of the current financial year (April to June) the coal materialisation to the power sector was 87 per cent.