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India's Power Surge: Ministry of Power Achieves Record Milestones in 2023

The current installed capacity stands at around 4,26,132 MW, with a notable contribution of 8,269 MW from non-fossil fuel sources in the year 2023-24.

January 04, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

As 2023 draws to a close, the Ministry of Power reflects on the transformative journey of India's power sector. Over the past nine years, the government has steered the nation from power deficiency to sufficiency, adding an impressive 1,94,394 MW of generation capacity.

The current installed capacity stands at around 4,26,132 MW, with a notable contribution of 8,269 MW from non-fossil fuel sources in the year 2023-24.

Every village and household is now electrified, marking a significant milestone. The availability of power has surged, reaching 20.6 hours in rural areas and 23.8 hours in urban areas.

Despite a 12.7 percent increase in peak demand to 2,43,271 MW during the current year, the all-India peak shortage has reduced to 1.4%, showcasing improved efficiency.

In the pursuit of a greener energy landscape, the ministry has added 7,569 MW of renewable capacity in 2023-24, including 5,531 MW of solar, 1,931 MW of wind, 34 MW of biomass, 42 MW of small hydro, and 30 MW of large hydro generation capacity. This aligns with India's commitment to reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

A significant stride is witnessed in the development of stalled hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh, with agreements signed for projects totaling 11,523 MW. This initiative not only taps into the state's immense hydroelectric potential but also contributes to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target and promises economic growth and employment opportunities.

The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) has played a pivotal role in reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 15.41 percent (provisional) in FY 22-23. The scheme emphasizes prepaid smart metering, with plans to install 250 million prepaid smart meters, fostering efficiency and financial sustainability.

The National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) assesses smart distribution cities, driving advancements in technology and efficiency. Smart grid and smart metering projects, along with research collaborations with institutions like IIT-Hyderabad, showcase a commitment to innovation and capacity building.

Under the UJALA and SLNP programs, over 36.86 crore LED bulbs, 72.18 lakh LED tube lights, and 23.59 lakh energy-efficient fans have been distributed, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.

Amendments in electricity rules, such as the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020 and Green Open Access Rules 2022, emphasize consumer empowerment, time-of-day tariffs, and simplified rules for smart metering, aligning with the evolving needs of the energy landscape.

As India gears up to integrate over 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the Ministry of Power's comprehensive strategies and initiatives underscore a commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and consumer-centric power sector.

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