Government mulls contingency plan to tackle power woes

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a 66 per cent chance of a deficit monsoon this year, hydro power plants might run below their peak capacity, putting pressure on thermal capacity.

"It is a matter of concern that the monsoon is expected to be below normal. This will result in a fall in hydro power production and the demand will also increase because the farmers will need more power to run their pumps," said Piyush Goyal, coal, power and renewable energy minister, at the annual power ministry award function.

He said the coal and power ministries were ready with a contingency plan to ensure there are no power shortages in the country in case of a below-normal monsoon. "We are preparing for any eventuality by ensuring adequate availability of coal for generation. State-owned Coal India's production has risen 11.9 per cent this financial year to 83.8 million tonnes," said Goyal.

The minister said thermal power plants would need to make up for the deficiency and called upon public and private sector coal and gas run power plants to help meet the deficit.

"Buffer stocks are being built up and power plants are ready to produce more. We have sufficient capacity in the system. Contingency plans have been drawn up. We will ensure there is no power shortage anywhere in the country," said Goyal.