he distribution of electricity to all consumers falls under the purview of the respective State Government/State Power Utility and it is the responsibility of distribution licensees to supply electricity. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The Central Government would continue to supplement the efforts of the State Governments / Power Utilities in providing round the clock power for all by 2022.
The Minister further stated that 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) of India conducted by Central Electricity Authority has estimated the Transmission and Distribution losses as 18.89% at all India level by the end of 12th Five Year Plan. With the aim of reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, Government of India assists the State Governments through its scheme, Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Progrmme (R-APDRP) for up-gradation, augmentation and strengthening of electrical infrastructure.
The Minister further stated that he World Bank has submitted a report titled “More Power to India: The Challenge of Distribution” to the Government of India, which highlights improvement required in the distribution system.
During the 12th Plan, 1,07,440 ckm of transmission lines have been planned to be constructed which will also utilize the latest technology available in the field. The distribution system is under the purview of the respective States / UTs. However, Government of India supplements their efforts through Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and R-APDRP schemes, the Minister added.
Steps Taken To Increase Power Production
The Government has taken several steps for increasing the power production in the country in order to increase the consumption per person. These are as follows:-
(i) Acceleration in generation capacity addition during 12th Plan with a proposed target of 88,537 MW from conventional sources and 30,000 MW from renewable energy sources.
(ii) Undertaking a massive programme for strengthening of inter-state and inter-regional transmission capacity for evacuation of power.
(iii) A new scheme has been announced in this year’s Budget for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders.
(iv) Expeditiously resolving issues relating to environmental and forest clearances for power projects under implementation.
(v) Bridging the gap of indigenous coal availability through coal imports for increased generation by thermal plants.
(vi) Promoting energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand side management measures.