The union coal secretary S K Srivastava ruled out any impact of the row over coal block allocation on the performances of the public sector Coal India Limited (CIL) saying that the company is surging ahead to achieve its ambitious target of 470 million tonne production in the current financial year.

“CIL intends to grow at the rate of 7.5 per cent each year and there is absolutely no impact of coal block allocation row on the CIL,” he told reporters at Talcher coalfield on Friday.

Power generation in the 3,000 MW NTPC-Kaniha has been drastically curtailed this month due to coal shortage.

Power generation at National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) 3,000 MW Kaniha plant, the country’s second biggest power plant, has drastically gone down in September due to coal crunch.

According to NTPC sources, a 500 MW unit has been shut down since the beginning of this month for want of coal. Similarly, another 500 MW unit which was closed three days back for the same reason is yet to be restored.

After slugging over the trigger level in the new Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs), the two have entered into a blame game over Merry-Go-Round (MGR), a method of dispatch

The battle between the energy sector’s two giants, both government-owned, Coal India Ltd (CIL) and power generator NTPC, does not seem to be ending. After slugging over the trigger level in the new Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs), the two have entered into a blame game over Merry-Go-Round (MGR), a method of dispatch.

The state government has worked out a permanent mechanism to save energy through conservation measures. All key government departments like energy, municipal administration and urban development, agriculture and co-operation, industries and panchayat raj, among others, will be involved in achieving the targets. The aim: Huge energy savings through efficiency measures to provide some relief to the sector and electricity consumers in particular.

“A circular has already been issued to all the employees of government departments to conserve energy by switching off unnecessary lights and fans, apart from non-usage of air-conditioners for the next six months to set an example to others. Also all heads of departments have been advised to strictly implement the energy conservation measures,” said principal secretary (energy) M. Sahoo, in a statement.

Combined installed capacity 3920 MW; generation to begin from April next year

Punjab’s dream of becoming self-sufficient in power would become a reality, when three major thermal plants in the private sector, with a combined installed capacity of 3920 MW, start operating and begin generation from April 2013. This was disclosed by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday after he visited the sites of these power projects that were at advanced stages of completion at Goindwal Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura in Tarn Taran, Bathinda and Patiala districts respectively. He said the facilities entailed an investment of Rs. 22,000 crore.

JHARSUGUDA: The Ib Valley Area of MCL, facing closure of six mines for want of environment clearance, is expecting a reprieve.

“They need to be dealt with firmly and their blocks de-allocated as per the terms”

The Coal Ministry has acknowledged that the conduct of the coal block allottees, some of whom are among those who were issued show-cause notices and raided by the CBI, had not been above board as they diverted coal for sale in the open market in violation of the condition of allotment and sold their companies at a heavy premium after getting a coal block. This acknowledgement came in its internal note on coal policy.

ANGUL: Even as the country is in the grip of the coalgate fever, India’s second largest power plant at Kaniha has shut down a 500-MW unit due to coal shortage.

MCL is the second largest subsidiary of Coal India in terms of coal output

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), which had shut down its six mines in Ib valley region over the weekend following an order of the state steel and mines department, has moved the Supreme Court seeking stay on the government directive. The coal company is particularly encouraged as in a similar case earlier the apex court had granted it relief. MCL is the second largest subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL) in terms of coal output.