December 10, 2013 / 10:18 IST
State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) has signed 157 fuel supply agreements (FSAs) so far for a capacity of 71,145 MW, the Parliament was informed today. "A Presidential Directive has been issued to Coal India Ltd (CIL)... Accordingly, 157 FSAs have been signed so far for a capacity of 71,145 MW," Minister of State for Coal Pratik Prakashbapu Patil said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.
The Minister said as per New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP) 2007, CIL has to supply coal to such power plants with which it has entered into fuel supply agreements. The government had recently approved coal supplies to thermal power plants which are commissioned/to be commissioned by March 31, 2015.Also Read: Coal India eyes mine acquisitions in IndonesiaReplying to a question on power projects that have been stuck due to unavailability of coal, Patil said Coal India has been dispatching more than 90 per cent of the quantity committed under fuel FSA/memorandum of understanding (MoU)."During the last three years, despatches to power utilities have been 91 per cent, 91 per cent and 92 percent of the targets in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. Coal dispatches were 87 per cent in the current year up to October, 2013," the Minister said.As per the coal stock report of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) as on Nov 28, 2013, coal stock position of Thermal power plants (TPPs) was 16.03 million tonnes (MT) as against 9.19 MT during last year. "However, there are a few power plants with source of fuel other than linked coal from CIL, which may be impacted because of non-availability of inadequate availability of coal. Information regarding such plants is being sought for from CEA," he added.Amid continuous delays, the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) had earlier said that timelines for signing of fuel supply pacts for power projects of 78,000 MW capacity should be met.Two deadlines set for signing of the fuel supply agreements by Coal India (CIL) with the power producers could not be adhered to. The Coal Ministry had set the deadline of August 31 for signing of the FSAs, which could not be met. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
