Uttar Pradesh Faces Power Shortage Amid Coal Supply Disruptions

Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in coal-mining regions have hindered coal transportation to thermal power plants nationwide, causing many units to operate at reduced capacity or shut down. The state currently faces a 1,500 to 2,000 MW shortfall compared to normal conditions. While demand remains similar to last September's peak of 30,625 MW, UPPCL can only manage approximately 27,000 MW.

Technical outages at several units have coincided with the coal supply issues. A September 14 report from the Uttar Pradesh State Load Dispatch Centre (UPSLDC) indicated 5,340 MW of generation capacity was offline. Affected units include Obra-C Units 1 and 2, Meja Unit-1, Anpara Unit-7, Rosa Unit-2, Ghatampur Unit-1, and units at Harduaganj and Jawaharpur. Ghatampur Unit-2, which went offline on September 13, has since returned to service.

UPPCL officials have been directed to procure electricity from all available sources to maintain supply. Market availability on the Indian Energy Exchange has tightened, with power at the ceiling price of Rs 10 per unit available for about 16 hours daily since September 1. Procurement is particularly challenging at night, when an additional 2,000 to 3,000 MW is needed, resulting in rural power cuts. During the day, UPPCL is purchasing electricity at up to Rs 10 per unit to maintain supply.

India to Export 654MW of Electricity to Nepal Following Flood Damage

India has committed to exporting 654MW of electricity daily to Nepal for 18 hours a day, effective until December 31, 2026. This measure addresses the significant damage to Nepal's hydropower infrastructure caused by recent floods, which reduced its domestic power generation capacity by approximately 550MW.

The electricity exports commenced on September 14, 2026. Up to 600MW is being supplied via the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV DC line between midnight and 6 PM, with an additional 54MW supplied through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV SC line. The quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December 2026.

This arrangement advances the typical export mechanism, which usually begins in October for the winter months when river flows decrease and hydropower generation is impacted. The Ministry of Power stated that India remains committed to supporting Nepal and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Leadership Changes Announced for Punjab Power Utilities Amid Peak Load Management

Gurkirat has assumed additional charges as principal secretary, power, and principal secretary, new and renewable energy sources, while retaining his role as principal secretary, social security, women and child development. He takes over from Garg, a 2005-batch IAS officer, who had held the power department and CMD posts since late 2025. Garg has been reassigned as administrative secretary for industries and commerce, with additional responsibilities for investment promotion and the promotion of the information technology industry.

The leadership transition at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) occurs as the utilities manage significant seasonal power demands. Challenges faced by the utilities include fuel management for thermal plants and balancing the tariff subsidy mechanism with fiscal stabilization. These changes come amidst public concerns regarding power cuts affecting industrial, domestic, and agricultural sectors.