Taking serious note, Government of India has reiterated its promise for “affordable and consistent 24x7 power supply for all homes, within 5 years”. Centre has categorically stated that the “next wave of reforms” would be the power sector, which would be unleashed soon.
In regions like the Northeast, power cuts have become a part of daily life. States like Nagaland faces power cuts for minimum 2-3hours on a regular basis.
“With an aim to maximize electricity production from hydroelectric power (potential: ~1,48,000 MW), particularly in the North Eastern states so that not only the country benefits from the increased power capacity but also the power-starved North Eastern states themselves get more power and also significantly enhance their incomes by trading surplus power”, Ministry of Power informed in a statement. It further stated that time bound action plans to expedite environmental clearances have been developed.
Official estimates pointed out that the State Electricity Boards have an accumulated debt of over Rs. 3,04,000 crores and their losses are Rs. 2,52,000 crores – putting them at the brink of financial collapse.
A series of ill-conceived moves handicapped the renewable energy sector. Energy conservation was not an area of focus. Despite such enormous demand for electricity, coal and gas-based power plants, where lakhs of crores have been invested, are either lying idle or performing sub-optimally.
Over the last 100 days, Modi Government has held detailed consultations with 18 states along with major stakeholders.
Government has also assured adequate coal for power plants by targeting production of 1 billion tons by 2019.
Several steps are being taken to resolve stranded gas based capacity (24,148 MW) issue and plans have been made to use gas primarily to meet peak load demand or to meet exigencies, since electricity generation can be ramped up at a short notice.
Other regulatory moves such as amendments in Electricity Act 2003 and Tariff Policy have been finalized and this would unleash the next wave of reforms such as competition in retail and Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) enforcement.
Centre had also approved National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) in August 2014 with an outlay of Rs. 775 crore. This would enhance investments for better technology, creation of a venture capital with partial risk guarantee fund, appliance rating system and notification of a new building code for energy conservation.
Goyal appeals to state governments
Power Minister Piyush Goyal Sunday said that the government “is committed to ensure affordable 24x7 power for all, and appealed to state governments to come forward with their plans to transform the sector”.
The Minister, who also holds the portfolios of Coal and New and Renewable Energy, said whatever the Supreme Court decides on coal block de-allocation at its hearing on September 9, the government will ensure immediate implementation of that.
Setting aside the apprehension of any discrimination, Goyal asserted that he is open to sit with any state government in order to provide 24-hours electricity supply to common man.
The government has also announced Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana with an estimated investment of Rs 43,000 crore for feeder separation of agriculture and domestic usage, and strengthening of transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas.
Source: Nagaland Post
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