Hyderabad: Thermal power generation at Telangana Genco plants must reach maximum levels to meet the state’s electricity demand during the El Niño period, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka directed officials on Tuesday. He also announced an immediate visit to Singareni coal mines to ensure uninterrupted supply of quality coal to thermal power stations.
Bhatti reviewed the Energy Department at Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan. He said El Niño could reduce hydel power generation. Officials must therefore maximise thermal power generation and prevent power shortages across Telangana.
The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed Telangana Genco’s installed capacity, coal availability and future plans. During the meeting, he asked officials to maintain adequate coal stocks and strengthen long-term supply arrangements.
Bhatti said the Yadadri Thermal Power Station progressed rapidly only after the present government assumed office. He alleged that the previous government launched the project in 2016-17 but allowed construction to move slowly despite obtaining approvals for annual G9-grade coal supply from Singareni. He also claimed that poor planning delayed the project and weakened coal supply arrangements.
Thermal power generation review focuses on coal supply
According to Bhatti, the previous government failed to secure environmental clearances for the project. He recalled that litigation before the National Green Tribunal created uncertainty over its future.
After taking office in 2023, the present government secured the required environmental approvals. It accelerated construction and commissioned the first 800 MW unit in 2025. Later, three more 800 MW units began operations during 2025-26 and 2026-27. Telangana Genco’s installed thermal generation capacity consequently increased to 7,180 MW.
Despite coal shortages, Telangana Genco generated 27,908 million units of electricity during 2025-26. The utility met 31 per cent of the state’s electricity demand, compared with 25.14 per cent in 2024-25. Bhatti expressed confidence that the share would increase to 40 per cent after coal supplies improve. He added that the fifth Yadadri unit would begin operations in September 2026.
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the previous government failed to secure new coal blocks. He also claimed that it prevented Singareni from participating in coal block auctions. Those decisions, he said, continue to affect coal supply and quality.
Bhatti announced that he would immediately inspect Singareni coal mines. According to him, the visit will focus on coal production, transportation and quality. Officials will identify supply bottlenecks and remove them quickly. Energy Department Special Chief Secretary Naveen Mittal will accompany him during the inspection.
Energy Department Special Chief Secretary Naveen Mittal, Telangana Genco CMD Dr. S. Harish, directors and senior officials attended the review meeting.