Govt complains to MCL over poor quality coal

The state government has complained to Mahanadi Coalfileds Ltd (MCL) about supply of sub-standard coal from one of it mines that led to lower power generation in last two weeks.

"It is learnt that during last fortnight due to supply of poor quality of coal to Ib Thermal Power Station from Lakhanpur mines of MCL, the unit load was often reduced to below 120 Mw,” wrote G Mathi Vathan, state energy secretary to MCL Chairman on Friday.

To maintain the power production capacity, the coal-fired thermal station had to depend on oil firing that led to higher generation cost, the letter said.

Ib Thermal Power Station, run by the Orissa Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) , has the capacity to generate 440 Mw electricity by its two units situated at Jharsuguda. OPGC depends upon MCL supplied coal to run the power plant.

Citing severe deficit of power production in the state, the government demanded better quality coal from the miner, which is also a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL).

"You are requested to look into the matter and kindly ensure supply of improved quality of coal from Lakhanpur mines of MCL to Ib Thermal Power Station to maximize their power generation to meet the power crisis of the state,” Mathi Vathan said.

Though a pioneer in hydro-electricity production, Orissa depends heavily upon government and private thermal power producers, who contribute about two thirds of the state’s total power generation.