Coal Crisis Deepens: 59 Power Plants Left With Just 3 Days of Stock

New Delhi: India’s power sector is facing a fresh warning as coal stocks at dozens of thermal power plants have fallen to critically low levels. According to government data, 59 coal-based power plants now have reserves below 25% of their required stock—equivalent to roughly three days of supply.

The latest figures from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) show that the number of plants facing critically low coal inventories had risen to 59 as of September 9. Energy analyst Manoj Kumar of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said the declining reserves are a serious warning for the country’s energy security.

Power demand still near record levels

India’s electricity demand continues to put enormous pressure on the power sector. Peak demand reached a record 270.70 GW in May, while demand in recent days has remained around 267 GW.

Prolonged heatwaves and the effects of El Niño have kept electricity consumption elevated. Although solar generation is providing some relief during daylight hours, the country continues to rely heavily on hydroelectric power. Limited battery-storage capacity and declining reservoir levels are adding to the challenge.

Government steps up coal supply

With coal stocks under pressure, the government and power companies have stepped up efforts to move fuel to thermal plants.

Indian Railways increased coal rakes from 370 on September 3 to 444 on September 6 to accelerate deliveries to power stations.

Meanwhile, Coal India, the world’s largest coal mining company, and its subsidiaries have also increased road-based coal supplies. The company has cited substantial coal stocks of around 76 million metric tonnes at its mines.

Punjab power crisis worsens
The situation has also intensified in Punjab, where another major thermal power unit has gone offline.

Patiala: Unit 1 of the Rajpura Thermal Power Plant, with a capacity of 700 MW, shut down on Friday following a technical fault.

Several other generating units are already out of operation. These include Unit 6 (210 MW) of the Ropar Thermal Power Plant and Unit 2 (660 MW) of the Talwandi Sabo Thermal Power Plant.

The hydropower sector is also facing disruptions. Units 3 and 4 of the Ranjit Sagar project, each with a capacity of 300 MW, along with three units of the UBDC project, are currently non-operational.

Is a power shortage looming?
With electricity demand still hovering near record levels and coal inventories at 59 plants down to only a few days’ supply, pressure on the power system is mounting.

The government’s accelerated coal transportation and supply measures could help prevent a wider crisis. However, if demand remains elevated and plant-level stocks continue to fall, power shortages and supply disruptions could become a growing concern in the days ahead.