Power generation jumps to 70 bn units in June

On the back of increased capacity addition, power generation in the country rose more than 8% to 70.4 billion units in June as compared to the same period a year ago, says a report.

The country witnessed electricity generation of 64.8 billion units in June 2010.

"In June 2011, all India [power] generation grew 8.6% year-on-year to 70 billion units, led by an increase in installed capacity by 10 GW (10,000 Mw) over the past 12 months and higher PLFs [Plant Load Factors] of nuclear and hydro plants," according to a report from brokerage firm Motilal Oswal.

Out of total production last month, 55.9 billion units came from thermal plants that run on coal, lignite and gas. Hydro projects generated 11.9 billion units of electricity during the same period.

"Private sector generation grew 21% YoY, the state sector by 11% YoY and the central sector by 3%," the report said.

Overall, Plant Load Factor (PLF) -- an indicator of a power project's efficiency -- inched up to 61.8% last month as against 61% in the year-ago period.

However, the PLF of plants, fired by coal and lignite, declined to 73.4% in June 2011. The same stood at 74.7% in the same period a year ago.

India is expected to see a capacity addition of about 51,000 Mw in the 11th five-year plan (2007-12).