State power plants’ coal stocks dwindle

PATIALA: With no end in sight to protests by farmers and their ‘rail roko’ stir, the woes of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have multiplied as well, with coal stocks down to critical levels.

The GVK Goindwal Sahib plant is already out of operation as it has no coal stock.

Supply has been stalled since September 21, when farmers started their protest against the new agricultural laws. From October 1, farmers have also blocked rail traffic.

As per the latest position, the Lehra Mohabbat plant has coal for four days, the Rupnagar thermal plant has coal for six days, while Rajpura Thermal plant has stock of three days. The Talwandi Sabo power plant has coal stock of only a day.

Before the disruption, Punjab received around 10 rakes of coal a day. “We have informed the government that the coal stock is almost exhausted and that it must resolve the issue to start supply,” said a power plant official, requesting anonymity.

For now, Punjab is banking upon power purchase from the National Grid. Against an installed capacity of 5,200 megawatt (MW) of thermal power, Punjab is producing only 650 MW.

“For Thursday, we sought 6,700 MW, of which only approximately 1,900 MW was our own generation. The situation will improve only once coal supply will be restored,” said a senior power corporation official.

Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has already appealed to the protesting farmers to lift the protest or allow movement of essential good, as shortage of coal and fertiliser is hitting the state’s economy and people.