Punjab power crisis deepens as coal stocks fall, demand crosses 16,000 MW
Punjab faces growing power pressure as demand crosses 16,000 MW and coal stocks fall at key thermal plants, raising concerns over electricity supply and generation
Punjab power crisis: Punjab's power situation is under growing pressure as electricity demand remains above 16,000 MW while coal stocks at some thermal power plants continue to fall. The combination has raised concerns over power generation in the state, particularly as paddy irrigation keeps demand high.
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Recent reports indicate that coal shortages have reduced Punjab's available thermal power generation capacity by around 1,500 MW. Some of the state's major private thermal plants are reportedly operating below their full capacity due to limited coal availability.
The Rajpura Thermal Power Plant and Talwandi Sabo Thermal Power Plant are being closely watched because of their importance to Punjab's power supply.
According to a report dated September 9, Rajpura had around six days of coal stock, while Talwandi Sabo had roughly five days' stock.
Power demand sees a sharp jump
Punjab's electricity demand has risen sharply in recent days, largely because farmers are relying heavily on tubewells to irrigate paddy fields. The state's peak power demand touched 16,343 MW on September 2. On the same day last year, peak demand was around 6,830 MW, according to the figures cited in the report.
Farmers feel the impact
The pressure on power generation is also being felt by the agriculture sector. Farmers have reported receiving less electricity for running tubewells compared with the previous year. With paddy crops requiring regular irrigation, any reduction in supply could add to farmers' concerns during the crucial stage of the season.
Coal shortage is a wider concern
The issue is not limited to Punjab. Coal availability has also become a concern for thermal power plants across the country. Latest data indicated that coal stocks at nearly one-third of India's coal-based power plants had reached critical levels. The Centre has increased the availability of railway rakes to speed up coal transportation to power plants.
PSPCL's own plants have better stock position
Despite the concerns, the situation at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited's (PSPCL) own thermal plants appears relatively better.
According to available information, coal stocks at PSPCL's three thermal power plants were around 117% of their normative requirement. This puts the spotlight on coal supplies to Punjab's private thermal plants and their ability to maintain generation at full capacity.
Power crisis could worsen if supply does not improve
For now, Punjab's power system is facing pressure from three sides --- rising demand, falling coal availability at key plants and reduced thermal generation.
If coal supplies do not improve quickly, the state could face greater pressure on its power supply in the coming days, especially while demand from the agriculture sector remains high.