Telangana coal shortage and power crisis

Telangana is experiencing a power generation crisis driven by critical coal shortages. Initially, the Telangana Power Generation Corporation (TGGENCO) requested 5 million tonnes of additional coal from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited to address stocks that had fallen to only four days of supply, well below the 26-day requirement. The shortage was attributed to deficiencies in both the quantity and quality of coal supplied by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), which forced several thermal power stations to operate at partial loads during a period of rising peak power demand.

As the situation progressed, the crisis specifically impacted the Yadadri Thermal Power Station due to a lack of G9-grade coal. Officials noted that SCCL could not provide the necessary grade because it lacked the required coal blocks, a situation blamed on the previous administration’s failure to participate in coal block auctions. Additionally, the plant’s location away from coal pitheads has reportedly imposed a ₹40,000 crore financial burden on the state due to transportation costs. In response, the Chief Minister ordered the Energy Department to procure coal from Mahanadi Coalfields and Coal India to ensure the plant reaches full capacity before the Dussehra festival.