The government expects coal stocks accretion of around 10 million tonnes (mt) for domestic coal-based thermal power plants by December over the current level with a rise in the number of rakes carrying the fuel and lower electricity consumption expected in the winter season, people aware of the development said.




Power plants have traditionally seen coal stocks falling in the summer and monsoon seasons.




The stocks have marginally increased to 18.1 mt on October 28 from 17.4 mt on October 23. The number of domestic coal-based units having critical stock levels is now at 79 from 89 on October 23.




Higher power demand, because of cooling and irrigation load, along with rainfall in coal-bearing areas, had led to a rise in the number of plants having critical fuel levels since August, which raised concerns and led to a scramble for supplying adequate fuel to the units.




A total of 98 units, including imported coal-based power plants, had critical levels of stock on October 23. At the end of the ongoing fiscal, which is an important milestone for the next summer and monsoon season, the government sees a closing stock of 35-42 mt based on the current consumption pattern projection.




However, according to a senior power ministry official, plans to take the closing stock to 55 mt by the end of the fiscal year is being deliberated among ministries of railways, power and coal. FY27 started with an opening stock of around 55 mt which helped navigate the unprecedent demand in summer. With El-nino impact, September and October months also saw record demand touching 270 GW peak.



More Rakes


The number of rakes carrying coal to power plants is above 490 in the last few days, while the average rake per day so far in October is 472, a government official told ET. On October 27, the number of rakes fell to 479 because of weather disturbances in the eastern region, another official said, adding that it is expected to pick up once conditions become better.




On the other hand, power demand has also fallen with weather turning cooler in many parts of the country, lending support to fuel accretion with lower power demand. Peak power demand has gradually come down from above 240 GW to 217 GW on Thursday.