Nagpur | Oct 31, 2017: Despite efforts of state and central governments, the coal stock position in power plants of the state remains alarming. Not a single power plant in the state that supplies power to MSEDCL has adequate coal stock. Any disruption at the mines or in railways will see return of load shedding.

Ideally, a plant should have over 14 days' coal stock to ensure that generation is not affected even if there is a major disruption at mines or in railway traffic. Among MSEDCL's suppliers, Parli plant of Mahagenco has the maximum stock equivalent to 9.5 days of its daily coal consumption.

Chandrapur and Bhusawal plants of Mahagenco have two days' coal stock. Paras and Nasik have three days, Khaparkheda has four days and Koradi has five days' coal stock. NTPC's Mouda plant and Emco's Warora plant do not have coal stock even to meet one day's consumption. Adani Power's Tiroda plant has four days' stock while RattanIndia's Amravati plant has five days' stock.

A Mahagenco coal official told TOI that compared to last month, the coal supply position had improved. "In September end, we were getting 20 railway rakes of coal against our requirement of 32 rakes. Now, we are getting 24 rakes. In addition, coal equivalent to three rakes is being supplied by road," he said, adding that Mahagenco's total coal stock had increased from 5.65 lakh metric ton (MT) a month ago to 6.28 lakh MT now.

Stock of some plants had reduced as compared to September end. These include Chandrapur, Bhusawal and Khaparkheda plants. Chandrapur's stock has reduced from 3.6 days to 2 days.

The official said that generation had increased as compared to past month and hence coal consumption had gone up. "We are no longer cutting down on generation due to shortage of coal," he added.

Mahagenco has no idea as to when it will get its requirement of 32 rakes per day. In fact, more rakes are required if the company is to build up stock.

In order to avoid load shedding in the state, Mahagenco is generating at full capacity unmindful of the stock. However, any reduction in supply due to a variety of reasons will force the company to reduce production.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)