Coal Shortage: Several States Facing 2-8 Hours Blackouts As Power Crisis Deepens In India

New Delhi: Amid the power crisis in the country, several states have expressed their concern over the possible shortage of coal in power plants that supply electricity to the country.

As per several reports, the states are struggling to meet the huge demand amid low production at power plants. From Jammu and Kashmir to Andhra Pradesh, consumers are facing power cuts ranging from two hours to eight hours.

Factories are most affected by power cuts. After the record heat in March in the country, the scorching heat continues in April as well.

The total power crisis in the country has reached 623 million units which are more than the total power shortage in March. In electricity production in the country, coal is used for nearly 70 percent. However, the government is claiming that there is enough coal available to meet the demand, but reportedly, coal reserves in power plants are at their lowest in nine years.

The reports further claimed that due to the Ukraine-Russia war, there has been a decline in coal imports along with an increase in the international energy price.

Meanwhile, the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said that thermal plants across the country are facing a coal shortage, which is a sign of a power crisis in the country.

The maximum power demand in the country on April 27 stood at 200.65 GW, while the peak power deficit was 10.29 GW. The latest data showed that coal reserves in 147 plants monitored by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) were 25 percent of the norm as of April 26.

Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, faces a power deficit of 3,000 MW. The supply is only 20,000 MW against the demand of about 23,000 MW. In such a situation, power cuts are being done in rural areas and small towns. Apart from UP, the Kashmir Valley is also facing its worst power crisis which has irked people during the holy month of Ramzan.

As per the Delhi Power Minister Satyendra Jain, the coal shortages are seen in National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)'s Dadri-II and Jhajjar (Aravalli) power plants.

Reportedly, in NTPC's Dadri-II power plant, only a day's worth of stock is left and in Jhajjar (Aravalli), the left stock of coal can only cover 7-8 days.

In Tamil Nadu, the state government said that the shortage of 750 MW from the central grid resulted in power cuts in some parts of the state.

There are also reports which claimed that farmers stop vehicular movement in Punjab's Hoshiarpur to protest against irregular power supply.

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