The power crisis perpetrated by a crunch in coal supply seems to be easing as more stocks were rushed to generation units, more power generation units were made functional and weak demand during the extended weekend.
Several states rolled back orders to limit power supply as the situation eased, according to a report in Economic Times. The report also said that Coal India unit South Eastern Coalfields will withdraw its order to suspend coal supply to non-power utilities. Several industries raised an alarm after world’s largest miner temporarily suspended supply to non-power users until the situation stabilised. After Coal India’s decision, non-power sector had demanded government’s intervention as production to keep the plants running.
According to the report, average stock at power plants was only enough to produce electricity for 4 days as per October 13 data. As of date, plants with capacity of 137 GW had lower stocks down from 142 GW on October 12.
Coal stocks are expected to get replenished with increased supply with two major festivals Navratri and Durga out of the way.
Average spot prices of per unit power for Saturday delivery on the Indian Electricity Exchange eased to Rs 9.67 from Rs 14 witnessed last week. As compared to last week, electricity demand cooled off with temperature dipping at night and extended weekend as Friday was an off on account of Dussehra.
A top Punjab State Power official said the power crisis seems to be abating. The state, which saw power cuts last week, reported no new blackouts due to low coal stocks at power stations and rolled back electricity curbs on industrial units. A state official said Uttar Pradesh also did not report any power cuts due to coal supply at power plants. Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam chairman Bhaskar Sawant told ET that the energy situation in the state has improved.