NEW DELHI, May 5 (UPI) -- State-run Coal India Ltd. is fast diversifying into power generation, causing coal shortages for power-generating utilities.

CIL and its subsidiaries are entering power generation through agreements and joint ventures. While CIL has already signed a pact with the National Thermal Power Corp. to develop coal blocks and power projects, its subsidiary Central Coalfields is considering a joint venture with Neyveli Lignite Corp. to establish a 1,000 MW power plant in North Karanpura Coalfields, a company official said Monday.

He said another subsidiary of CIL -- Northern Coalfields -- agreed to set up a thermal power station with 1,000 MW capacity through a joint venture with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam. Northern Coalfields is also considering a joint venture with NLC for an integrated coalmine-and-thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh, while Southeastern Coalfields is all set to have a joint venture with the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board.

The coal-stock situation in thermal stations across the country continues to suffer, with CIL being unable to meet domestic demand.