Question : Power Generation

(a) whether most of the power plants are running at lower capacity than their potential and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to encourage use of induction cooking stoves;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the impact of large scale electrification of cooking energy needs on plant load factor and revenue sustainability of DISCOMS;

(e) whether the cost towards creating a supply chain for cooking fuel is same in case of induction cooking stoves; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the comparative advantages/disadvantages in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : The capacity utilization of thermal power plant and nuclear generating units is expressed in terms of Plant Load Factor (PLF). The PLF of thermal and nuclear units mainly depends on planned outages and forced outages which may result due to age of units, availability of required quality and quantity of fuel, and other external constraints such as availability of transmission network and receipt of schedule from beneficiary DISCOMs. In case of Hydro power projects, the generation is influenced by the availability of water. The average PLF of thermal power plants coal/lignite during 2016-17 (April – October, 2016) was 59.17%.

(b) to (f) : In the National Energy Policy discussion, NITI Aayog has encouraged the use of appropriate electrical appliances including induction cooking stoves for cooking purpose. The electrification of cooking energy is likely to increase the PLF and revenue sustainability of Discoms. Electricity, as fuel for cooking, is safer and less polluting than biomass.

*************