Punjab coal supply remains adequate for the state’s power plants, according to the Ministry of Coal. The Centre has rejected reports that linked lower thermal power generation in Punjab to coal shortages. PSPCL plants held coal stocks at around 117% of their normative requirement as of September 4, 2026.
Punjab Coal Supply Remains Above Normative Requirement
The Ministry of Coal said Coal India Limited (CIL) continues to maintain coal availability for power generation across the country.
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) operates three thermal power plants. These are Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Station at Lehra Mohabbat, Goindwal Sahib Thermal Power Plant and Ropar Thermal Power Station.
Together, the three plants have a combined capacity of 2,300 MW.
As of September 4, coal stocks at PSPCL plants stood at around 117% of the normative requirement. The ministry said this indicates that coal availability is not restricting generation at these plants.
PSPCL Plants Record 42% PLF
PSPCL’s thermal power plants recorded an average Plant Load Factor (PLF) of around 42% in August 2026.
The Centre said the relatively low PLF cannot be linked to a shortage of coal at the plants.
In comparison, Nabha Power Limited recorded a PLF of around 93% during the same period. The plant had adequate coal supplies from CIL sources.
The difference in plant performance highlights the role of plant utilisation in determining power generation.
Coal Lifting by Punjab IPPs Remains Below Availability
The government has also taken steps to facilitate coal movement to Punjab’s independent power producers (IPPs) from the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine. Such movement remains subject to applicable statutory requirements.
Coal India subsidiaries have offered substantial quantities of coal to Punjab-based IPPs. However, the quantity booked and lifted by the IPPs has remained below the volumes offered.
The ministry said timely coal lifting can help improve fuel availability at the plants and support higher generation.
Centre Focuses on Plant Utilisation
The Centre said Punjab coal supply is not currently limiting thermal power generation in the state.
It stressed the need for better utilisation of PSPCL’s own generating capacity. Timely lifting of available coal by IPPs will also be important.
The government expects these measures to support more efficient power generation and help Punjab meet its electricity requirements.
Source: Sarkaritel
