Power supply concerns mount in Telangana amid rising demand, coal shortages

Frequent complaints of power outages from domestic consumers, farmers and others this season have raised concerns over the possibility of ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the next season.

During the current Vanakalam season, farmers have staged protests across the State, demanding adequate power supply. Domestic consumers have also complained of frequent power disruptions. Compounding the situation, questions are being raised over coal availability for thermal power projects. Depleting water levels in major reservoirs have also affected hydel power generation. Power demand in the State is already escalating. Peak-hour demand touched 19,982 MW on September 30, against the usual daily consumption of around 15,000 MW.

Though the State government claims to have initiated contingency measures, ensuring quality and uninterrupted power supply next season is likely to be a challenging task, considering the various factors affecting generation and procurement.

The State Cabinet, which met last week, resolved to procure sufficient power to meet the demand and ensure uninterrupted supply. It also decided to prioritise new renewable energy generation and power procurement, keeping future demand and requirements in mind. Approval was granted for setting up power projects with a combined generation capacity of around 7,800 MW. The Cabinet deliberated on proposals to establish 3,000 MW of solar power capacity, a 4,000-MW Battery Energy



Storage System and 800 MW of wind power capacity. It decided to execute these projects through a bidding process in accordance with Central government regulations. However, these measures would take considerable time for grounding, execution and commencement of supply.

Like Telangana, other States are also keen on purchasing power, but availability has emerged as a major challenge. Despite spending around Rs 10 per unit, sufficient power is reportedly not available for procurement through the open market, short-term agreements and the Indian Energy Exchange. Of the 330 million units consumed on September 28, only 85 million units were supplied through TGGENCO, while the remaining power was purchased.

Similarly, against the minimum coal storage requirement of 20.63 lakh metric tonnes, only around 5.57 lakh tonnes is currently available, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Kothagudem Thermal Power Station requires around 24,000 tonnes of coal a day, while Kakatiya requires 4,500 tonnes, Bhadradri 15,000 tonnes and Yadadri 34,000 tonnes.

Though Singareni and TGGENCO officials have chalked out plans to supply 75,500 tonnes of coal a day to TGGENCO power plants, ensuring the actual delivery of the required quantities remains a challenge. For Yadadri, an action plan has been drawn up to transport 8,000 tonnes a day through two rakes from the Naini coal block in Odisha and another 36,000 tonnes through six rakes from Singareni’s local mines.