Energy
Energy security

Policy missteps, over-reliance on CIL: how power plants lost their coal, fuelled blackout worries

Policy missteps, over-reliance on CIL: how power plants lost their coal, fuelled blackout worries
Getty Images

Indian visitors and officials walk on the campus of the Wanakbori thermal power plant at Wanakbori village

Synopsis

Coal-fired power plants generate 70% of India’s electricity. But they now have only four-seven days of coal stock to generate electricity. The government is trying to bring more mines on stream to boost supply, but that will take time. But how did India suddenly get shackled by such a crisis?

By
10 mins read,
Sameer Chandra (name changed) and his family had mega plans to deck up their three-story house in South Delhi with fancy lights this Diwali. But they have started having second thoughts. “With reports of power shortages coming in, we’re in a dilemma whether to spend money on full-fledged lighting,” Chandra says. His worries are not unfounded. Due to a severe coal shortage, India is staring at a blackout with its thermal power plants fast running

To Read the Full Story, Become an ET Prime Member

Access the exclusive Economic Times stories, Editorial and Expert opinion

Subscribe Now

Monsoon Offer

Get flat 20% off

on ETPrime membership

Membership Benefits

Access the exclusive Economic Times

Stories, Editorial & Expert opinion

Complete Access with ET Prime

Experience your Economic Times newspaper, The way you've always liked!

Get to know where the market gurus invest & grow your portfolio.

Stock Report Plus

In-depth stock analysis for 4000+ companies

Stock Analyzer

Instant stock analysis based on Solvency, Profitability, Growth, Valuation, Momentum, Risk & More.

Now Available with ET Prime

Manage your money efficiently with this weekly guide.

Clean experience

with minimal ads

Easy & distraction-free reading with 90% less ads

Sharp Insight-rich,

In-depth stories across 20+ sectors

1500+ Exclusive stories & analysis across sectors to help you stay informed

Get One Year Times Prime Subscription worth ₹1199 for free

Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-

Enjoy unlimited access to breaking news and thought provoking stories from all around the world.

Get One Year Docubay Subscription worth ₹999 for free

Stream award-winning international documentaries from more than 100 countries.

Offers By Our Partners

Exclusively for ET Prime Members

Members Love Us

The stalwarts of the industry trust ET Prime for insightful analysis & unbiased thought pieces

Gift a story

Your membership includes Story Gifting Credits. Now gift exclusive stories to your friends & peers.

Comment & Engage

with ET Prime community

Communicate & build a connection with great minds of the industry

A trusted team of

Journalists & Analysts

Unbiased perspective & detailed reporting by our team of journalists who have in-depth knowledge and years of experience