Increased fuel supplies and reduced power demand during winter have reduced the number of thermal power plants with critical coal stocks to zero, a position that was last attained four years ago. Average stocks at 126 power plants monitored by the Centre stood at 29 mn tonnes, enough to run these plants for 17 days at a stretch. According to data compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), at present there are 26 plants that have stacked up enough supplies to last one month or more. There are a few coal plants with stocks ranging between one day and three days, but they are not considered critical since they are close to mine mouth or have consumed majority of their coal quota for the period.

(Economic Times)