Power Min pegs generation loss at four billion units

Mumbai : The country’s power scenario will continue to worsen further as the shortage of coal persists. The power ministry has estimated that the country has lost four billion units (bu) of power generation between April and September this financial year due to a severe dip in coal supply from Coal India and its arms. The coal shortage would continue to cripple the generation as there has been a -1.2 per cent growth in coal production this month, compared to the what Coal India and its arms registered last year.

A power ministry official said on Tuesday Coal India and its associates were expected to produce 347 million tonnes (mt) of coal in 2011-12, but it might achieve only 310 mt. “Besides, Coal India is not loading enough rakes. Instead of 160 rakes, it is loading about 140 rakes leading to reduction in coal supply to power plants," he told Business Standard