Coal reserves hit a new low at NTTPS

The power generation at Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station is likely to be hit sooner than later if the coal supplies and available stocks were any indication. The station, at present, has 32,000 tonnes of coal as buffer stock. The stocks will be sufficient for the next two days.

The coal supplies need to be improved considerably though the NTTPS was receiving four to five rakes of coal everyday.

‘No problem'

The NTTPS used to get coal supplies in six rakes daily for all its units. Now, it is receiving around five rakes of coal everyday. If the station were to continue normal power generation, the current rate of coal supplies has to continue to maintain buffer stocks. The station requires 24,000 tonnes of coal everyday to generate power. Except for the fifth unit, all other six units were functioning normally. The fifth unit was shut down for maintenance.

When contacted, NTTPS Chief Engineer G. Kishore Babu told

The Hindu, “There is no problem. The power generation is normal.”

Officials upbeat

Despite the precarious situation, the SPDCL authorities opined that the supply position would not turn worse. There used to be unscheduled power cut during night for about 15 minutes in Vijayawada till two days ago. It was lifted even in rural areas during night time.

The unscheduled power cut, however, continues during day time in rural areas. A clear picture on power cut would emerge in the next two days, officials added.

Coastal districts have been witnessing their worst-ever load shedding due to fall in power generation.

Power cut

The people were experiencing a six-hour power cut daily following the general strike in Telangana that hit coal production in Singareni Collieries. Such a power cut has not been imposed in the last 20 years.