Adequate Coal for Punjab's Power Plants: Centre enabled Supply from PSPCL's Captive Mines Since Commencement of its captive Mine Production
The Ministry of Coal clarified that adequate coal is available for Punjab's power plants, noting that coal stock at PSPCL's plants stood at around 117% of normative requirements as of September 4, 2026. Despite comfortable stock, PSPCL's average Plant Load Factor (PLF) was only about 42% in August 2026, while Nabha Power Limited achieved around 93% PLF. The Centre also facilitated coal supplies from PSPCL's captive Pachhwara Central Coal Mine to Independent Power Plants.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for candidates tracking government policy, energy sector updates, and infrastructure reports related to coal supply and power generation in India.
In Simple Words
Media reports blaming the Centre for reduced power generation in Punjab due to coal shortages are incomplete. The Ministry of Coal states that Punjab's thermal plants have ample coal, with PSPCL stock at 117% of normative levels as of September 4, 2026. Low power generation was due to a low Plant Load Factor of 42% in August 2026 rather than fuel scarcity.
Additionally, the Central Government enabled coal supplies from PSPCL's captive Pachhwara Central Coal Mine to Independent Power Plants like Nabha Power Limited and Talwandi Sabo Power Limited. Coal India Limited subsidiaries also offered coal that still needs timely booking and lifting by IPPs to optimize generation.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Coal stated that adequate coal has been made available to Punjab's power plants.
- PSPCL operates three thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 2,300 MW.
- Coal stock at PSPCL's plants stood at around 117% of the normative requirement as on 04.09.2026.
- The average Plant Load Factor of PSPCL's plants during August 2026 was around 42%.
- Nabha Power Limited achieved a PLF of around 93% during August 2026.
- Supply of coal from PSPCL's captive Pachhwara Central Coal Mine was enabled for IPPs.
- CCL offered 5 lakh tonnes of coal to NPL and TSPL on 30.03.2026 under RCR mode.
- BCCL offered 3.5 LT of coal to NPL, against which about 1.3 LT has been booked.
Exam Angle
A. Around 117% of the normative requirement
Source: Press Information Bureau