With unrelenting heatwave, particularly in parts of north-west, central and east India, the demand for power is shooting up. On June 10, the country’s electricity demand was at a record 211.85 GW, which according to energy experts, is only expected to go up further to 215-220 GW in two months. Besides scorching summer, the rise in demand is attributed to increased economic activities and summer farming. However, poor coal stocks in thermal power plants, higher global prices, and a shortage of railway rakes remain a concern in ensuring adequate supply.
According to the latest report on coal stock by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), as of June 12, out of 173 thermal power plants, 95 plants have critical stocks, which is less than 25% while all the plants have just 37% of coal stock against the normal stock.
