Indian power generation from conventional sources has witnessed a decline on the y-o-y basis for the first time in the current fiscal year. Prior to this, power output had posted a steady rise y-o-y in each of the first 9 months of FY19.
According to the tentative report provided by the Power Ministry, power generation was recorded at 100.36 BU in Jan’19, down 1% Y-o-Y from 101.864 BU in Jan’18, which was also slightly lower on the month from 100.841 BU in Dec’18.
Demand for electricity has reduced in line with the ongoing winter season, where the monthly power generation has remained almost flat over the past three months.
A source-wise break-up indicate that thermal power generation was recorded slightly higher on the month, but had registered its first y-o-y fall for FY19 in Jan’19. Thermal power output was marked at 90.214 BU.
Power generation from Nuclear plants was down 26% Y-o-Y to 3.012 BU in Jan’19, which was also 2% lower on the year from 3.072 BU in Dec’18.
Hydro plants had posted the only rise in power output on the y-o-y basis, which apart from going down on the month, were marked 7% higher on the year at 7.081 BU in Jan’19.
Remaining quantity accounting to 0.053 BU was imported from Bhutan.
| Source | Generation in Jan’19 | Generation in Dec’18 | Generation in Jan’18 | M-o-M | Y-o-Y |
| Thermal | 90.214 | 89.957 | 91.119 | 0% | -1% |
| Hydro* | 7.081 | 7.780 | 6.612 | -9% | 7% |
| Nuclear | 3.012 | 3.072 | 4.051 | -2% | -26% |
| Bhutan Imports | 0.053 | 0.032 | 0.082 | 65% | -35% |
| Total | 100.359 | 100.841 | 101.864 | 0% | -1% |
Source: Power Ministry
Quantity in BU
*excludes generation from Hydro stations upto 25 MW
Total power generation from the conventional sources in the first 10 months of FY19 (Apr’18-Jan’19) has crossed the 1000 BU mark, registering a growth of 4% Y-o-Y. Driven by an elevated demand for electricity, power output has reached 1050.291 BU in the 10-month period.
Coal Stock Improving at Power Plants:
In the wake of the reduced demand for power generation, coal stock at the power plants has gained significant levels over the past few months.
As per the data provided by CEA, the available coal stock at the plants (having coal linkages) were recorded at 21.058 MnT as on 5 Feb’19, up 23% M-o-M from 17.123 MnT.
Coal supplies from CIL have also played a vital role in the improvement of coal stock levels.
CIL’s coal dispatch to power plants has grown 7.3% Y-o-Y to 407.02 MnT during the current fiscal year upto 4 Feb’19, as per the media release published on PIB.
The average rake loading to power sector including loading from Washery & Good-Shed during the same period was reported 252.5 Rakes/day, registering an impressive growth of 13% y-o-y.
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