Coal India on Monday said it has supplied 3 million tonnes (MT) of coal more than its target supply to the power sector by October 15 for the financial year 2023-24.

“CIL’s targeted commitment was 316 MT to the power sector till October 15 of FY2024 against which the company’s supplies were ahead by 3 MT at 319 MT. CIL is confident of meeting the tasked target to the power sector,” the public sector miner said.

This statement comes at a time there are concerns over fast-depleting coal stocks at thermal power plants amid rising electricity demand. Data from the Central Electricity Authority shows a total of 89 power plants, including plants based on domestic coal and plants designed to run on imported coal, having critical stock levels as of October 14. The number was just 39 as of July 31.

National Load Despatch Centre data shows evening peak hour demand met at the national level increased 12.74 per cent in August 2023 over August 2022 and was on an upward trajectory in September. Between April and September, energy generation from thermal sources was 107.87 per cent of generation in the corresponding period previous year, while that from hydroelectric sources was 87.91 per cent of previous year.

“CIL was given a demand projection of 610 MT supply to the power plants for FY 2024 which is 4 per cent more than what it supplied in FY 2023,” the statement said.

Unseasonal rain has hit mining in coal bearing areas particularly in the East.