Coal stocks in the thermal power plants run by Punjab State Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and independent power producers (IPP) have now improved because of the fall in demand in the past two weeks.

Due to the monsoon, PSPCL has decided to purchase more power from external sources at lower prices. It has helped power plants in Punjab to save their coal stocks.

Only one unit is operational in the state-run thermal power plants. In Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant (GHTP), Lehra Mohabbat, one of the four units had been shut down since 13 May due to the breakdown of ESP, and two more units were shut down to save coal stocks. In Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant (GGSSTP), the Ropar plant was shut down to reserve coal stocks, following less power demand. One unit of Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), Mansa, was shut down due to preventive inspection and minor defects.

The maximum power demand was around 8,800 MW, while the least power demand was 6,900 MW.

According to a report, there was sufficient rainfall in Punjab in the past two weeks, resulting in less power demand. Power was scheduled from external sources due to cheaper availability to save coal stocks in Punjab to help during the paddy season when the power demand reaches its peak.

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