Madhya Pradesh's biggest Birsinghpur based 1340 Mega Watt (Mw) thermal power generation station is facing fuel crisis with a coal stock of just 10,000 metric tonnes (MT) to generate power against its daily need of around 15,000-16,000 MT if plant functions at its full capacity.
"We are in a crisis and are in constant touch with South Eastern Coalfield (SECL) for fuel supply to Sanjay Gandhi Thermal Power Station at Birsinghpur in Umaria district," MP Power Generating Company (MPPGCL) CMD RB Agrawal said.
The CMD added that they are able to run the show at present as one unit of 210 Mw in Sanjay Gandhi Thermal Station is closed for the annual overhaul.
The coal supply has been affected due the rainy season, he said.
Agrawal also explained that they were supposed to keep the coal stock of 15 days at thermal stations but this did not happen in Birsinghpur following inadequate supply.
However, he said the power generation has not been hit at this thermal station for want of coal at present as they are getting required coal regularly to meet its daily requirement, but not getting enough fuel to maintain a stock of 15 days.
He added that if the daily coal supply is hindered following inclement weather, it will affect the power generation at Birsinghpur.
Agrawal also shared that MPPGCL was prompt in making payments to SECL against coal supply denying that shortage in fuel supply has erupted due to non-payment.
Currently, the divisional headquarters — except Bhopal — district, tehsil headquarters and rural areas are witnessing load shedding for two to twelve hours daily following power shortage of over 1000 Mw in Madhya Pradesh.
