UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

According to the Central Electricity Authority criterion cited in the newspaper, a thermal power plant is considered critically low on coal stock when:

  1. Its inventory is below 25% of normative stock or can support generation for less than three days
  2. Its inventory falls below 50% of normative stock for one month
  3. It imports any coal during a financial year
  4. Its electricity generation falls below hydroelectric generation

Answer

Correct Answer

Its inventory is below 25% of normative stock or can support generation for less than three days

Explanation

Option A reproduces the CEA’s reported critical-stock threshold. Option B invents a 50% and one-month test not stated in the criterion. Option C concerns sourcing, not the level of on-site inventory. Option D compares technologies and has no role in determining whether a thermal plant’s coal stock is critical.

Topics: central electricity authority coal-stock criterion, economy, energy security, thermal power