New Delhi: In a comprehensive review, the Union Ministry of Power outlined significant achievements and transformative measures that have propelled India towards its goal of becoming a power-sufficient nation.
In 2023 India witnessed a remarkable increase in the average availability of power, reaching 20.6 hours in rural areas and 23.8 hours in urban areas.
Over the past nine years, the government has successfully added an impressive 1,94,394 MW of generation capacity, fundamentally transforming the power sector from a state of deficiency to achieving sufficiency. The current installed capacity stands at an astounding 4,26,132 MW, with a substantial addition of 8,269 MW in the fiscal year 2023-24, emphasizing a strong commitment to renewable energy sources.
India has achieved electrification in every village and household, significantly increasing power availability in rural areas from 12 to 20.6 hours and in urban areas up to 23.8 hours.
The peak demand has risen by 12.7% during the current year, reaching 2,43,271 MW, with an impressive reduction in all India peak shortage to 1.4%.
In a pivotal move towards harnessing hydro-electric potential, Memorandums of Agreements were signed for the development of 12 stalled Hydro Electric Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, totaling 11,523 MW. Transmission capacity saw a substantial addition in 2023, with 14,390 circuit kilometers of transmission lines, 61,591 MVA of transformation capacity, and 4,290 MW of inter-regional transfer capacity.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) played a crucial role in reducing AT&C losses to 15.41% (provisional) in FY 22-23.
The introduction of prepaid smart metering under RDSS is a critical intervention, targeting the installation of 250 million prepaid smart meters during the scheme period.
The National Smart Grid Mission is actively working on smart distribution cities, deploying smart meters, and conducting training programs to enhance the skills of professionals in the power sector.
The UJALA program, launched in 2015, has distributed over 36.86 crore LED bulbs, resulting in significant energy savings. The Street Lighting National Programme has installed over 1.30 crore LED street lights, leading to substantial energy savings and reduced GHG emissions.
Amendments made in 2023 to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules introduced Time of Day (ToD) tariffs, encouraging consumers to shift their electricity consumption to high renewable energy generation periods.
The Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 were amended to reduce barriers in the availability and utilization of renewable energy, reducing the open access limit from 1 MW to 100 kW.
The Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules 2022 provide relief to DISCOMs and electricity consumers, ensuring timely payments and creating a financially viable power sector.
The Ministry of Power’s comprehensive efforts and transformative initiatives bring forth a commitment to sustainable, efficient, and accessible power for all citizens of India.
