Coal stock position at the thermal power stations in the country continue to be critical with as many as 29 plants receiving less fuel, leaving them with stocks for less than a week.
As per latest CEA (Central Electricity Authority) data (May 6), 29 power plants across the country have less than seven days of fuel stock including 14 stations that have only less than four days of stock.
Of the 29 stations, 10 received less fuel while another two are reeling under inadequate fuel linkages. However, the reasons for this situation have not been mentioned in the report.
State-run NTPC's thermal plants at Kahalgaon (Bihar) and Farakka (West Bengal) continue to witness inadequate coal linkage as expansion of mining capacity of Rajmahal mines in Jharkhand, which feed these plants, is still underway.
Over 30 thermal power stations faced critical fuel stocks position last month.
"The impact of lesser fuel stocks may not impact power generation currently but if it continues for a long time it may lead to some serious implications," a CEA official told PTI.
On the reasons for less coal supplies at some plants, the official said, "We receive the data from the power companies regarding receipt of fuel stocks. Why they received less coal can be known from the source (Coal India) only".
NTPC which currently generates over 37,000 Mw plans to augment its capacity to about 70,000 Mw in the next five years.
The government has also proposed to add 100,000 Mw of electricity in the next five years, from all sources of energy.
According to Planning Commission estimates, the country's energy supply needs to grow at 6.5% a year if the nation has to achieve annual economic growth of 9% during the current plan period (2012-17).