Renewable power cos’ dues surge 47% to Rs 21k cr in 1 year
NEW DELHI: Overdues of renewable power producers have swelled 47% to Rs 21,008 crore in December from Rs 14,259 crore a year ago because of continued payment default by state distribution utilities, marking a trend that could punch a hole in India’s climate commitment, which primarily hinges on rapid expansion of green energy capacity.
The renewable energy overdues make up 21% of pending bills from all generation companies, including thermal power producers in the private and public sector, which is pegged at Rs 98,682 crore against Rs 97,334 crore a year ago. Given the trend, officials said the figure will top Rs 1 lakh crore by month-end.
Thermal generation companies account for Rs 75,066 crore of the total overdues. While overdues of private power producers rose 38% to Rs 54,394 crore from Rs 39,152 crore in December 2020, they declined 55% to Rs 20,672 crore from Rs 46,969 crore for government generators.
