NTPC Plant Loses 800 Million Units Of Electricity Owing To Fuel Shortage

The country's largest power producer National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has lost 800 million units of power at its Vindhyachal thermal plant because of scarcity of coal.

"The 4,260 MW Vindhyachal thermal power station is facing acute coal shortage. Its linked mine Nigahi of Northern Coalfields is supplying five-six rakes per day in August," NTPC said in a statement.

This year's annual contracted quantity (ACQ) went up by 15.75% as compared to last year due to addition of Stage-IV (2x500 MW).

"We have already lost more than 800 million units on account of coal shortage whereas there was no loss of generation on account of coal shortage during the same period last year," the statement said.

Due to coal shortage, our four units (2x210 MW and 2x500 MW) are stopped, the company added. "If coal supply does not improve, Vindhyachal may have to further stop one or two more units for want of coal," it said.

The state-run power major supplies electricity to Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu and Dadar Nagar Haveli from this plant.

NTPC had last month informed Power Ministry that six of its power plants were facing coal shortage.