With shortage of hydel and wind power, KPCL will increase thermal power from January

Thermal power plant Yermarus. | Photo credit: File photo

Amid shortage of hydel and wind power, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) will procure around 18 rakes of coal per day instead of 14 to increase generation from thermal power plants from an average of 50-60 million units (MU) to 85-90 MU per day from January 2027.

Recently, KPCL CEO Rajendra Cholan met officials from the Coal Ministry in New Delhi to discuss the requirement of coal to increase thermal power.

Current need

Speaking to The Hindu, he said, “Currently, we need 14 rakes per day to generate an average of 50 to 60 MU of thermal power per day, which is 56,000 tonnes of coal. One coal rake consists of 4,000 tonnes. As wind and hydro power generation18 by increasing thermal power generation by 18 has reduced thermal power generation to 17 rakes per day, which is 68 000 to 72,000 tons of coal per day.

He added that the Coal Ministry has also agreed to provide 40 to 50 million tonnes of coal this year depending on the availability of coal in mines and the demands of other states.

Referring to thermal power plants in Karnataka, he said, “Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) generate on average around 25 MU, 34 MU and 26 MU per day respectively.

He added that measures have been taken to increase the daily supply of coal from the Baranj coal mine, which is allocated to units 1 and 2 of the Ballari thermal power plant, from the current 16,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes. “We have also requested more coal from Western Coal Fields Limited and Mahanadi Coal Fields Limited. But we are not getting enough coal from Telangana Singareni Colleries Company Limited (SCCL). While the coal connection with SCCL is eight rakes per day, we are getting only four rakes at present,” said Mr. Cholan.

Generation now

On the current status of hydel power, he said, “On an average, the hydel power produced for September and October is 40 MU per day. But due to insufficient rains, the availability of hydel power is also low. Last year, we produced 8,000 MW of hydropower, which has now reduced to 5,000 MW.”

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary, Power Department said, “We are cautious and aware of the situation and therefore the ministry is taking measures at various levels to ensure coal from coal mines under the Coal Ministry and electricity from other sources. Even farmers are in distress as the IP sets in the fields have to run on electricity to ensure water for the crops. Due to less rains this year.00 MW to 1000 MW or less.

Published – 21 Sep 2026 23:06 IST