India’s Big Plans for 24×7 Power: New Schemes and Achievements
The Ministry of Power in India has launched several initiatives to ensure 24×7 power supply across the country, focusing on rural and underserved areas. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the reliability and reach of power distribution.
Key Schemes and Investments
The Indian government has implemented several key schemes to achieve its objective of universal and reliable power supply. Among these, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) stand out. These schemes have resulted in substantial investments in power infrastructure, totaling Rs 1.85 lakh crore.
| Scheme | Achievements |
|---|---|
| DDUGJY | 18,374 villages electrified |
| SAUBHAGYA | 2.86 crore households connected |
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
To further enhance power supply quality and reliability, the government introduced the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). This scheme has a total outlay of Rs 3,03,758 crore, with a Gross Budgetary Support of Rs 97,631 crore from the government over a five-year period (2021-22 to FY 2025-26). Projects worth Rs 2.62 lakh crore have been sanctioned under this scheme for distribution infrastructure and smart metering.
Power Generation and Transmission
Over the past decade, 2,14,237 MW of new generation capacity has been added, increasing the total from 2,48,554 MW in March 2014 to 4,46,190 MW in June 2024. The expansion of transmission lines has also been notable, with 1,95,181 circuit kilometers added since April 2014. This expansion has enabled the transfer of 1,18,740 MW across the country’s unified grid.
Future Targets
Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious targets for generation capacity additions by 2032. These include:
- 80,000 MW of thermal capacity
- 25,010 MW of hydro capacity
- 14,300 MW of nuclear capacity
- 50,760 MW of pump storage plants
- 510 MW of small hydro capacity
- 1,43,980 MW of solar power capacity
- 23,340 MW of wind power capacity
The total anticipated capacity addition by 2032 is projected to be 3,37,900 MW.
Focus on Jharkhand
In the state of Jharkhand, significant investments have been made to enhance power supply. Projects worth Rs 11,391 crore have been executed under various schemes, including upgrades to substations, HT and LT lines, and the installation of aerial bunched cables and underground cabling. Under DDUGJY, 2,583 villages have been electrified, and SAUBHAGYA has connected 17,30,708 households. The RDSS scheme has also sanctioned Rs 4,181 crore for Jharkhand’s distribution infrastructure and smart metering works. Additionally, Rs 53.39 crore has been allocated for the electrification of 9,134 households in Primitive Tribal Groups (PVTG) under PM-JANMAN.
Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020
Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, distribution licensees are mandated to supply 24×7 power to all consumers, though exceptions may apply to certain categories such as agriculture. These rules are applicable nationwide, ensuring a consistent approach to power supply across both urban and rural areas.
Doubts Revealed
Ministry of Power -: The Ministry of Power is a part of the Indian government that looks after electricity and power supply in the country. They make sure everyone gets electricity.
24×7 power supply -: 24×7 power supply means having electricity available all the time, day and night, without any breaks.
DDUGJY -: DDUGJY stands for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. It’s a scheme to provide electricity to rural areas in India.
IPDS -: IPDS stands for Integrated Power Development Scheme. This scheme aims to improve electricity supply in urban areas.
SAUBHAGYA -: SAUBHAGYA is a scheme called Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. It aims to provide electricity to every household in India.
RDSS -: RDSS stands for Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. It aims to make the electricity distribution system more efficient and reliable.
power generation capacity -: Power generation capacity is the total amount of electricity that can be produced by all the power plants in the country.
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India. It has been getting more investments to improve its electricity supply.