Coal Ministry says supply to Punjab's power plants is adequate amid reports of power cuts
On 13 September 2026, the Ministry of Coal said adequate coal has been made available to Punjab's thermal power plants, responding to media reports linking long power cuts in the State to coal shortages.
Summary
The Ministry of Coal said media reports blaming reduced generation at Punjab's thermal plants on inadequate coal did not present the complete picture, and that Coal India Limited (CIL) remains committed to uninterrupted supply. The Centre has enabled coal movement to Punjab's Independent Power Plants (IPPs) from the captive mines of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The Ministry said higher use of PSPCL's own plants, monitoring of breakdowns at IPPs and timely lifting of coal already offered by CIL subsidiaries would help optimise power generation in the State.
Key facts
- Clarification
- 13 Sep 2026, Ministry of Coal
- Context
- Media reports of long power cuts in Punjab
- Step taken
- Coal from PSPCL captive mines allowed to Punjab's IPPs
- Advice
- Higher PSPCL plant use, IPP breakdown monitoring, timely lifting of CIL coal
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Coal from whose captive mines has the Centre allowed to be moved to Punjab's Independent Power Plants?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL)
The Centre enabled coal movement to Punjab's IPPs from PSPCL's captive mines.