Avg Rural Power Supply Duration Rises to 18.5 hrs in 2019-20 from 12.5 hrs in 2014-15: RK Singh

The average rural power supply duration has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014-15 to 18.5 hours in 2019-20, said RK Singh, Power Minister while addressing the members of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power.

Replying to the queries of MPs during the meeting, Singh explained that some of the major reform initiatives which Ministry of power has recently undertaken include Universal Access to Electricity; Reliable, Quality and Sustainable Supply; Empowering Consumers and Green and Clean Nation.

The Minister mentioned that 100 per cent village electrification has been achieved 13 days before target while 100 per cent Household electrification has been achieved under Saubhagya scheme. He also informed about the steps taken by ministry for empowerment of consumers.

The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules were rolled out by Power Ministry in December, 2020, with emphasis that power system exists to serve consumers with mandated service standards and mandatory round the clock call center.

The Power Minister stated that the country has been transformed from a Power Deficit to Power Surplus Nation as at present the total installed capacity in country is 3.77 lakh MW as compared to Peak Demand of 1.89 lakh MW. “We have achieved the target of One Nation-One Grid- One Frequency with the addition of Transmission Lines of 1.42 lakh ckm and Transformation Capacity of 437 MVA in FY 15-20,” he informed.

Singh also provided details of the steps taken by the government for reliable, quality and sustainable power supply like flexibility in coal utilization amongst the generation stations leading to savings of Rs 1,447 crore per year in NTPC, introduction of new products in power exchange ( Real Time Market and Green Term Ahead Market) and Payment Security through letter of credit mechanism to tackle the issue of outstanding dues of  power generation companies.

He also explained the provisions on distribution competition in Proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Under the 2021 bill multiple distribution companies will be allowed to operate in the area of supply. The consumers may choose any distribution company. It will lead to improved services, responsiveness, service innovation and enhanced billing and collection efficiency.

Singh also informed that as regards the promotion of renewable energy, efforts are on towards working for Renewable Energy target of 175 GW by 2022 under Paris Climate Agreement. Various Steps have been taken to promote green and renewable energy such as waiver of ISTS Charges for Solar and Wind and competitive bidding guidelines for procurements of Wind, Solar, Hybrid, Round The Clock (RTC) power. Stalled hydropower projects of 3,470 MW have been revived. Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) have been involved for small hydro construction.

However, MPs suggested about improvement in regulatory mechanism, strengthening of Power infrastructure in states, conducting survey to analyse increase in Power demand in the coming 10-15 years for the Power Generating states etc.