Four TTPS units stop generation due to coal shortage

Similar situation prevailed in the third week of March

At a time when demand for electricity is high due to the onset of summer, generation in four of the five 210 MW coal-based units of Tuticorin Thermal Power Station (TTPS) has been stopped due to coal shortage.

As coal supply to the TTPS, which is being done through ships and trains, has been badly affected due to a range of “administrative reasons”, operating all five units has become the toughest task for authorities. The TTPS is in need of 9,000 tonnes of coal every day to operate all the units.

“The situation prevailing in the TTPS is frustrating. When we faced similar situation in the third week of March, four units had to be stopped and the coal-laden ships arrived from Odhisha bailed us out from the precarious situation. Now, we have been left to face similar situation,” said sources in the TTPS.

Since the coal stock available at the TTPS was sufficient for operating only one unit, the first unit alone was generating power, they said.

“We used to have a stock of up to two lakh tonnes of coal. On Friday, we had only 15,000 tonnes of coal and hence four units had to be stopped. If the situation (demand for power) becomes serious, one more unit can be operated with the coal available in our yard. Since Karaikal Port now has 50,000 tonnes of coal, steps have been taken to bring it here by goods train. The problem can be resolved permanently only if the Union government allots sufficient quantity of coal to Tamil Nadu,” said the sources.