Devendra Fadnavis. Devendra Fadnavis.

The state government has taken the decision to increase the power supply to 40 lakh farmers across Maharashtra following streamlining of coal supply that helped to generate additional 1700 MW electricity. At present the power consumption in state is recorded at 14,000 MW.

Several parts of Maharashtra which still faces power cuts due to shortage of electricity will now get some relief. As a single decision to ensure timely delivery of coal supply which often lead to break down in functioning of the power plants will help to cut down load shedding by three hours. On an average the load shedding in state extends upto six to seven hours.

The chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ten days ago held a meeting with union minister for coal and energy Piyush Goyal to tackle the shortage of coal supply that had adversely affected the working of the power plants across state.

The subsequent meetings between centre-state and its follow- up within a short span has ensured streamlining of coal supply thus generating additional 1,700 MW electricity. It benefits more than 40 lakh farmers in state. Officials in ministry confirmed, “ Apart from the sustained coal supply, there was huge communcation gap between the orders given and coal rakes delivery to the power plants. The gap often marred the functioning of the power plants and affected the electricity supply.”

According to a senior officer in ministry of coal and power, “ We supply seven hours power in the day for a week. And alternative week we supply eight hours power at night.” From today, “ We have increased the power supply in day from seven to eight hours. And power supply at night has been increased from eight hours to ten hours.”

The Fadnavis government has been emphatically stating that tackling power crisis in state remains the most challenging as it affects both urban and rural Maharashtra.

Fadnavis who took the charge of the government on October 31, convened the meeting with union minister and top officials of state and centre to address the coal shortage that has lead to panic.

As the first step forward he has urged the officials to identify the hurdles that come in the way sustained coal supply to existing power

plants. The directives from the state government was they should make optimum use of the available domestic coal supply to the power plats to increase its efficiency. Admitting that most the plants were functioning only 60 to 65 per cent thus affecting both electricity generation and also the administrative cost of running the unit. As a result the end affect was higher power rates in state compared to neighbouring states like Gujarat , Chattisgarh or Madhya Pradesh.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.