Government’s Initiatives to ensure electricity supply

As reported by the States/UTs, the peak demand of Electricity in Megawatt (MW) in the country during the year 2016-17 (April, 2016 – June, 2016) was 1,52,974 MW and the peak demand met (the quantity of electricity generated in the country in terms of MW) was 1,49,971 MW. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. 

Shri Goyal further stated that Government of India has taken several steps to ensure electricity supply to the citizen as per the requirement. During the 12th Plan (2012-17), capacity addition of about 86,565 MW from conventional sources and about 19,500 MW from renewable sources have been achieved till 30th June, 2016. Adequate supply of the domestic coal to power plants has been ensured. The growth of domestic coal supply to power plants has been around 6.2% during 2015-16. As on 03.08.2016, the coal stock in the power plants is 30.3 Million Tonne (MT), which is sufficient for 22 days of operation of power plants as against the normative stock of 21 days. At present, there is no power station with critical coal stock. 

The Minister also stated that During the 12th Plan (2012-17), 89,813 ckm of transmission lines and 2,66,033 MVA of transformation capacity have been completed till 30th June, 2016. Government of India has taken an initiative to prepare State specific Action Plans for providing 24X7 Power For All (PFA) in partnership with the States. 

Shri Goyal also informed that two new schemes have been launched by the Government of India, namely, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders to give adequate and reliable supply and reduce line losses. Government of India has taken several steps to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency and other demand side management measures. 

Talking about the revival of Distribution countries, the Minister informed that Central Government has notified Ujjawal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme on 20.11.2015 for Operational & Financial Turnaround of DISCOMs. Government of India has taken steps for expeditious resolution of issues relating to Environmental and forest clearances for facilitating early completion of generation and transmission projects. Government of India has launched a scheme by providing support from Power System Development Fund (PSDF) for stranded gas based generation.