State govt wants KKNPP maintenance advanced to tide over coal crisis

“Maintenance work of the plant is carried out for two months beginning in the second half of September coinciding with the end of wind season. If the maintenance work is carried out earlier, we can get the 1000 mw share of electricity from KKNPP and reduce the dependence on coal,” said an Tangedco official, on request of anonymity.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a drastic shortage of coal in the end of wind season this year, forcing Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the coal allotment to the State. The letter was followed by Electricity Minister P Thangamani visiting New Delhi with a similar request.

However, considering the situation, the Tangedco officials have proposed an alternative to reduce the coal dependency. According to officials, if the maintenance work of KKNPP is advanced the problem of coal shortage can be averted. “If the maintenance schedule is advanced, it will help in reduction of one sixth of coal requirement of the State, which at present stands 72,000 metric tonnes per day,” said the official.

It is in this regard, Thangamani again visited New Delhi and met with authorities of the concerned ministry on Thursday.

Thangamani also sought an increased share of power for Tamil Nadu from the central grid, as at present the State receives only 50 per cent of the assured power supply. He was assured that all steps will be taken to advance the maintenance work in KKNPP and to allot 1000 mw of additional power to TN.