Summary:
WITH SUMMER just setting in, an acute coal shortage has led Maharashtra to stare at possible power shortage. According to official estimates, all power plants of Mahagenco have a total coal stock of around 8 lakh tonne. The low coal stocks are worrying because demand is expected to touch 24,000 MW during peak summer. State Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told The Indian Express that only a couple of power plants were running on critical coal stock. Another three have coal stocks at ‘critical level’ — just enough to last two to four days..