The Maharashtra State Electricity Regulatory Commission Limited (MSEDCL) has asked citizens to save electricity as coal shortages in the state have forced 13 thermal power plants to shut down operations. The Maharashtra State Electricity Regulatory Commission Limited (MSEDCL) urged people to use electricity sparingly during the crisis. The energy department told the media that due to the shortage of coal, 13 units supplying power to MSEDCL had been closed. Due to this, the 3330 MW of power supply has been cut off. Efforts are ongoing to provide power supply from hydropower and other sources to meet the need. MSEDCL is putting efforts to prevent load shedding in the state and urged the citizens to use electricity sparingly to balance the demand and availability. During the shortage of coal in the country, 13 thermal power plants have been shut down. The Mahanirmiti's Chandrapur and Nashik units of 210 MW capacity each, Paras with 250 MW capacity and Bhusawal and Chandrapur's 500 MW capacity each have been closed. Besides, four 640 MW capacities of Postal Gujarat Power Limited and three 810 MW of Rattanindia Power Limited are shut. Due to the increasing electricity demand, the electricity purchase price is becoming more expensive. Currently, power is procured from the open market to fulfil the need for 3330 MW power. 700 MW power is procured from the open market at Rs 13.60 per unit, and about 900 MW was procured at Rs 6.23 per unit. Electricity demand is increasing due to rising temperatures. MSEDCL is supplying three phases of electricity on agricultural lines for eight hours daily to avoid load shedding. MSEDCL requested the consumers to use less electricity between 6 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 10 pm to balance supply and demand. Reducing the electricity consumption during peak hours will fill the gap between demand and availability and prevent load shedding. Image Source Also read: Power plants face coal stock shortage due to low supply, high demand