Amid reports of power situation in the state getting worse with each passing day, Energy Minister AK Sharma denied paucity of coal as a reason for drop in electricity generation, saying many power plants were closed due to technical reasons.

In a tweet on Thursday, Sharma said that a few power plants were closed due to technical reasons for the last many weeks because of which there is a drop in electricity generation. He said the 660 MW each thermal power units of Harduaganj, Meza and Bara were closed while 605 MW Harduaganj unit was damaged in storm.

“Efforts are being made on a war footing to repair these power units so that they start generation at the earliest,” the minister said in his tweet.

Sharma said that the availability of coal for power generation should be maintained continuously.

“Right now we do not have any shortage of coal. Coal should be supplied according to the demand. For this, maintain constant dialogue with the Government of India,” he told senior officials.

With reports pouring in from across the state about frequent power cuts, officials admit that the power situation in UP is alarming. The average load shedding in villages is 7:57 hours, 6:17 hours in semi-urban towns, 6:2 hours in tehsil-level towns and 6:51 hours in Bundelkhand.

“So far big cities and industries are being exempted from rostering, but increase in power consumption in cities has led to voltage drop and frequent power cuts,” an official said.

In a review meeting, the energy minister said the power demand had created a new record due to intense heat conditions.

“Minimise load shedding by carrying out immediate repairs. There should not be unnecessary power cuts whether it is in a village or a city. Make arrangements to purchase additional electricity if needed,” he said.

The minister also directed that the process of installing smart meters in cities should be expedited. He said the houses which still did not have electricity connection should be given connection under the Saubhagya scheme as per eligibility.

“There is a need for massive reforms in the energy sector,” the minister said.

“For the electricity supply to continue, it is necessary to pay the bills. The department should make concerted efforts for time bound collection of bills. Constantly contact, communicate with defaulters. Work with the help of self-help groups in villages,” he said.

The minister said that in every case, it should be ensured that not a single consumer got the wrong electricity bill and everyone got the bill on time.

“Ensure timely and correct billing. Make a concrete action plan for this. Strict action should be taken against those who pilfer electricity. Every necessary step should be taken to keep the line loss to a minimum. A one-time settlement scheme should be launched for the defaulters,”