Chandigarh: Addressing the prevailing power situation in the state, Punjab power minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Saturday said Punjab is currently receiving 1,051 MW less power than its allocated share from the central power pool.He asserted that while the state-owned thermal power plants have adequate coal stocks, private thermal power plants are not receiving sufficient coal supplies from the Centre. In addition, two units at private plants have developed technical faults, resulting in a power shortfall of nearly 2,000 MW.“Within 24 to 48 hours, technical faults in two units, one each at Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo, will be rectified on priority. A meeting has been called with the owners of these plants, and teams have been deputed to ensure the units return to full capacity,” he said.Sond said he has urged Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar to immediately ensure that Punjab receives its full and rightful share from the central power pool.“Punjab is an agrarian state, and adequate and uninterrupted power supply is essential for our farmers and the state’s economy. The Centre should immediately provide Punjab its due share from the central power pool,” he said.Rejecting allegations of a coal shortage, Sond clarified that state-owned thermal power plants have ample fuel stocks. He noted that the Pachhwara coal mine is fully operational, ensuring a steady and sufficient coal supply for the state’s power generation units.“Punjab has started operations at its Pachhwara coal mine, and we now have sufficient coal available. The issue pertains to coal supplies to private thermal power plants, for which Coal India is responsible,” he said.Sond further said the private thermal power plants at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura are facing coal supply issues, which are to be addressed by Coal India.The minister said Punjab has 10 state-owned thermal power generation units: four each at Lehra Mohabbat and Ropar, and two at Goindwal Sahib. Besides these, the Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura thermal power plants are operated by private companies.“The technical fault in one of the units has already been resolved by PSPCL officials. The state govt and PSPCL are closely monitoring the power situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure a reliable electricity supply. Efforts are underway to restore the remaining units at the private thermal power plants at the earliest,” he said.
