Efficiency analysis of coal-based thermal power generation in India during post-reform era

Coal-based thermal power stations are the leaders in electricity generation in India. This study employs the stochastic frontier production function methodology for panel data to measure the technical efficiency (TE) of coal-based thermal power plants in India during 1994-1995 to 2001-2002. Efficiency varies widely across plants and regions, while the TE is time-invariant. The average TE is approximately 73%, indicating a substantial scope for increasing thermal power generation in the country, with improved application of existing technology and without employment of additional resources. The western region is technically more efficient than other regions and young plants are more efficient than their old counterparts. We hope that the findings will prove useful to development agencies and policy-makers in devising appropriate strategies to improve electricity generation in India.