Frequent breakdowns are plaguing thermal power stations across the state, owing to being overworked.
The breakdowns have affected their output, and most thermal power stations are running below capacity, excacerbating the power crisis.
Experts pointed out that not overhauling power plants for periods ranging from six to 10 months will cause long-term damage to the equipment.
Hydel generation has remained bleak throughout the year, on the back of the poor monsoon and low water levels in dams, putting the entire load on the thermal power units, which has worsened the situation.
There have been about 40 breakdowns in thermal power stations.
“Thermal units have been over-exerted due to constant usage. Absence of the annual overhaul has resulted in increased forced outages,” said a senior power official.
“Even the maintenance work, which has been ignored for a long period, is taking extra time due to shortage of highly skilled staff,” the officer said.
“Also, the use of poor quality coal is hampering the machinery and the scenario has remained unchanged for over a year. There isn’t much that can be done now,” he said.