LUCKNOW: Coal shortage caused by heavy rainfall and waterlogging at mines has affected thermal power generation in Uttar Pradesh, prompting limited night-time rostering in some areas, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) said on Sunday.According to UPPCL, heavy rains have disrupted coal production and transportation at mines across the country, reducing stocks at several thermal power plants. Similar problems have affected generation in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.In Uttar Pradesh, lower coal availability and wet coal have reduced generation at thermal plants. Tripping of some generating units due to technical and other reasons has further affected power availability.UPPCL said electricity supply remains normal across the state during daytime. However, during peak evening and night hours, the gap between demand and available power has necessitated limited rostering in rural areas, Bundelkhand, tehsil towns and nagar panchayats.The corporation said only 2-3% of its requirement sought through power exchanges is currently getting cleared during peak hours, limiting its ability to purchase additional electricity. District headquarters, however, are being provided round-the-clock supply.UPPCL said Uttar Pradesh has performed strongly in meeting electricity demand in recent months. Of the 135 days since May 1, the state ranked first nationally in meeting power demand on 74 days and second on 37 days.The corporation said it is coordinating with Coal India Limited and other agencies to improve coal availability while also arranging additional power to minimise disruption to consumers.
