How has the shortage of coal affected thermal power plants?
During 2008-09, Plant Load Factor of thermal power stations could not show desired improvement because of shortage of coal and gas. There was delay in synchronizations and commercial operation of units due to lack of completion of balance of plant works by contractors. The overall Plant Load Factor of thermal power units in the country improved significantly from 73.6% during 2005-06 to 77.2% during 2008-09. India is one of the largest energy consumers in the world despite having very low per-capita consumption for most energy related products. How do you analyse this situation? The per capita consumption of electrical energy is approximately 734 KWh. We have kept a target of 1000 KWh by 2012. This is expected to increase in the coming years in view of the ongoing massive generating capacity addition programme and emphasis on rural electrification under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. India’s cost per unit of electricity is amongst the highest in the world. Besides supply sho
