Coal shortage hits Kerala; load shedding likely to intensify

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is heading for another power crisis as thermal power plants across the country have reduced generation amid a shortage of coal. The state currently receives 36 million units of electricity a day from the central grid, but 12 million units have been cut. Of the 190 thermal power plants in the country, 50 are facing a shutdown. Several plants have coal stocks sufficient for only a week. If the situation worsens, night-time power restrictions may have to be intensified in Kerala.

Apart from the 12 million units affected by the reduction in supply from the central grid, electricity obtained through other sources is also largely from thermal power plants. Even if the state is willing to purchase power at higher rates, electricity is not available through the power exchange.
Load shedding has been in place for the past three days between 6 pm and midnight. Two months ago, half-an-hour night-time load shedding was also imposed. The state is currently limiting load shedding as much as possible by increasing hydropower generation by five million units. Power consumption has also risen with the decline in rainfall.
Kerala procures electricity through five routes — direct purchase from central generating stations, long-term contracts, short-term contracts, the power exchange and banking agreements with other states.

Thermal power needed for 56 million units

The state's current daily power consumption stands at 94 million units. Of this, only 26 million units are generated within the state — 23 million units through hydropower and three million units through solar power.
The remaining 68 million units are sourced from outside the state. Of this, 12 million units are nuclear power supplied from Kudankulam. Excluding this, the remaining 56 million units used in the state every day come from thermal power plants.

Rainfall adds to the problem

Coal mines in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and other states have been forced to suspend operations due to heavy rainfall. Although imported coal is available, the rains are preventing it from being transported to plants located at ports.
Coal is transported in open trucks and goods wagons, considering the facilities available for loading and unloading. If the coal gets wet, it loses its combustibility.

Electricity availability in the country