India's energy sector faces a critical challenge as approximately 40% of coal-fired power generation facilities operate with dangerously depleted fuel reserves. This alarming situation emerges from a perfect storm of escalating electricity consumption driven by climate-induced heat waves and broader industrial demand. The confluence of El Niño weather patterns intensifying temperatures across the nation has strained power grids to their limits. These shortages threaten energy security and could impact industrial productivity and household electricity access throughout the country during peak demand periods.

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