The past 365 days saw many record breaking achievements and launch of several foundational initiatives towards realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of 24×7 affordable power for all. Last year’s milestones include, lowest ever power deficit in India’s history – 3.6%, highest ever power capacity addition – 22,566 MW, highest ever increase in transmission line capacity – 22,100 circuit kilometres, highest ever increase in sub-station capacity – 66,554 MVA and highest ever coal production increase by Coal India – 32 million tons.
Also power generation growth was highest in 20 years – 8.4%, coal production growth highest in 23 years – 8.3% and solar capacity increased by 42%.
Elimination of corruption with Rs. 3.35 lakh crores of potential revenues going to coal-bearing states especially in Eastern India through transparent coal e-auctions and allotments, over the lifespan of mines. E-auctions have set the basis for transparent and honest allocation of natural resources.LED bulb price also reduced by 74% due to transparent procurement (Rs. 310 in Feb 2014 to Rs. 82 in Mar 2015).
Future plans launched include more than5 times increase in renewable energy capacity to 175,000 MW by 2022 (Organized Renewables Financing Conference, RE-Invest 2015 which attracted commitments of 273,000 MW), 5 new UMPPs in plug-n-play mode(total 20,000 MW), reduction in peak load shortages through revival of stranded gas based power plants through transparent e-bidding, Rs. 1.09 lakh crore investment in sub-transmission and distribution through Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) and Rs. 1 lakh crore of new transmission projects to be bid out in the current year.
Clean energy will be prioritised with 25 solar parks of about 100 MW each planned & a Rs 38,000 crore green energy corridor being set up to transmit renewable energy.
All bulbs to be replaced with LEDs over next three years resulting in huge savings in power bills for consumers while proposed amendments to Electricity Act will give consumers power to choose and change power supplier with competition improving affordability and service.
Focus on development of backward regions is our government priority. Investment of Rs. 9,865 crore approved for upgrading power systems in 8 North Eastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura). Transmission line approved with investment of Rs 26,000 crore to evacute power to southern region from western region.
Under the CSR programme, over 1,25,000 school toilets taken up at a cost of Rs. 2,250 crore particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha , West Bengal , North East etc.
While the above plans lay down a clear roadmap towards 24×7 affordable power for all, the performance so far provides ample confidence that Prime Minister’s mission will be fulfilled.