At a time when coal supply constraints are keeping thermal power generation capacity under-utilised, hydropower producers, too, are facing the heat. Reservoir levels are down to 16 per cent from 27 per cent last year, setting the alarm bells ringing for hydropower generators. If rainfall fails, the situation could turn grim.

Some initial impact has already started appearing. In the Nathpa Jhakri hydro power station, run by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVN), in Himachal Pradesh, low rains have already affected power generation.