AMARAVATI / BENGALURU / THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing a severe energy crisis due to the coal shortage, many southern states have warned of massive power cuts and called on the Center to release the coal blocks.
While the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, was the first to highlight the coal crisis in the country’s thermal power plants when he recently requested the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said on Sunday he urged the Center to fast. track clearance for two blocks of coal allocated to Karnataka in order to avoid an electricity crisis linked to a shortage of coal.
In Kerala, Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Sunday warned that the state would have to impose power cuts if the crisis caused by the shortage of coal-based power generation continues.
In what could lead to an alarming situation, AP’s thermal generation only completes around 20 percent of total electricity needs and nightclubs are bracing for sudden power outages due to the centers’ supply shortage. of production.
All thermal power plants combined produce around 40 million units against a total state consumption of 190 million units.
Meanwhile, the Central Power Distribution Company Limited (CPDCL) has issued a warning to consumers of electricity to maintain self-control in the use of electrical gadgets. The CPDCL urged consumers to use electric utilities wisely taking into account the decline in power generation from thermal power plants.
Meanwhile, Karnataka has focused on securing blocks and coal supplies amid concerns over existing stocks. Three large thermal power plants in the state have reserves that are expected to last 48 hours, officials said on Sunday.
The Center allocated a block of coal to Karnataka near Chandrapur in Maharashtra and another in Mahanadi, Odisha. Bommai asked Union Environment and Forestry Minister Bhupendra Yadav to give the required approvals as soon as possible.
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty said: “The coal shortage has affected power generation in the country and the power crisis is expected to continue for almost six months. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is monitoring the situation and people should cooperate with reduced use of electricity, especially during peak hours.
For a few days now, the state has experienced a shortage of 15% of electricity from the central pool following the closure of four thermal power plants due to a shortage of coal. “There is a shortage of 1,000 MW of power from the central pool. On Saturday we only received 30% of our daily quota from Koodankulam. If the situation continues like this for a long time, we will have to impose power cuts. current, “said the Minister.
Acceleration of coal shipments: CIL
Ranchi: Subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL) operating in Jharkhand said on Sunday that their production and shipments had been increased in recent days to meet the needs of the power sector. CIL’s seven subsidiaries shipped 15.66 lakh tonnes of coal every day to its consumers during the month of October. On Saturday, CIL shipped 17.11 tonnes of coal by road and rail rakes. Of the total, 14.14 tons of lakh coal were shipped to the power sector. ” We are on the right path. In 10 to 15 days, our coal supply will improve, ”CCL CEO PM Prasad told TOI on Sunday.