Coal shortage at power plants may push up spot prices in summer
According to the latest Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data, the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of the independent power projects (IPPs) was 52.54 per cent in February 2018 compared to 59.54 per cent a year ago. However, as per data, the PLF of central sector projects rose to 76.59 per cent in February from 72.93 per cent . Similarly, the PLF of state sector projects increased to 61.76 per cent in the month from 54.41 per cent a year ago
IEX said the average Market Clearing Price (MCP) discovered in the day-ahead market at Rs 4.02 per unit was 24 per cent more than the Rs 3.23 per unit price in February and 57 per cent above Rs 2.56 per unit in March last year. Image source: Reuters