The National Thermal Power Corp (NTPC) is using imported coal to generate power, making it costlier. As Chhattisgarh incurs an extra Rs 120 crore to procure the electricity, a Variable Cost Adjustment (VCA) hike has been imposed on consumers.
Due to non-availability of domestic coal to thermal power stations, the Power Ministry has allowed the use of imported coal up to a maximum of 15 percent, an official statement said.
NTPC has used 10-15 percent imported coal since June 2022 in some thermal power plants. The rate of imported coal is 4-6 times higher than that of domestic coal. Thus, the cost will also be 4-6 times more.
