Telangana Secures Emergency Coal Supplies from SECL
The disruption, described by officials as unprecedented, was reviewed in the first meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju with power sector officials, including representatives from GENCO, Transco, discoms and Singareni Collieries.
Hyderabad: After two thermal power units were shut down due to acute shortages, the state government initiated a contingency plan to seek emergency supplies from South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL).
The disruption, described by officials as unprecedented, was reviewed in the first meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju with power sector officials, including representatives from GENCO, Transco, discoms and Singareni Collieries.
Two units — a 500 MW unit at Kakatiya Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) in Bhupalpally and an 800 MW unit at Yadadri Thermal Power Station (YTPS) — were shut two days ago. This marks the first instance of generation units being suspended in the state due to coal shortages.
Officials attributed the supply disruption to reduced coal dispatches from Singareni Collieries following delayed payments and mounting dues. Company sources said GENCO’s dues to Singareni have risen to about Rs 22,000 crore, including arrears. Facing unpaid receivables, Singareni lowered GENCO’s priority for supplies, leading to curtailed generation.
Genco also reported a sharp fall in coal stocks and raised concerns over grade mismatches. Supplies were said to include lower grades such as G-15 and G-16 instead of the contracted G-9 and G-10, affecting plant efficiency.
At Yadadri, three of four units remain operational, with one 800 MW unit shut due to fuel shortage. Coal stocks across plants are estimated to last about six days at current consumption levels. At KTPP, one 500 MW unit has been taken offline, while other units are operating with reserves ranging between six and nine days.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka held a review meeting with Genco and Singareni officials and asked for immediate improvement in coal supplies.
At the Centre, the coal ministry has offered short-term linkage coal from SECL in Korba under emergency arrangements. Officials indicated that SECL coal could be supplied subject to prompt payment settlement.
With stocks at several plants below 10 days, officials indicated a risk of further shutdowns if supplies are not restored or alternative linkages are not activated. Shortfalls in thermal generation may increase reliance on hydropower, central allocations or short-term market purchases, with implications for procurement costs.