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India's Power Revolution: 193 GW Added in 9 Years, Surpassing Demand

The gap between energy requirement and energy supplied has reduced from 4.2 percent in 2013-14 to 0.3 percent in 2023-24.

December 16, 2023. By Abha Rustagi

Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister, R.K. Singh, revealed significant strides in the Indian power sector, adding more than 193 GW of electricity generation capacity over the past nine years.

This transformation has turned India from a power deficit to a power surplus nation, marking a 70 percent increase in generation capacity from 248,554 MW in March 2014 to 425,536 MW in October 2023.

Minister Singh provided these insights in written replies to questions in Lok Sabha.

Moreover, the comprehensive strengthening of the transmission and distribution network includes the addition of 187,849 circuit kilometers of transmission lines, connecting the entire country into one grid. This strategic expansion enables the seamless transfer of 116,540 MW from one corner to another, contributing to improved power availability.

The distribution system received a boost through projects under DDUGJY/IPDS/SAUBHAGYA, involving an investment of 1.85 lac crores. This initiative includes the construction of 2,927 sub-stations, upgrading 3,964 sub-stations, and adding 8.86 lac circuit kilometers of HT/LT lines.

As a result, rural areas now experience 20.6 hours of power availability, up from 12 hours in 2015. Urban areas enjoy an impressive 23.6 hours of power availability. The gap between energy requirement and energy supplied has reduced from 4.2 percent in 2013-14 to 0.3 percent in 2023-24.

The steady growth in demand, driven by India's rapid economic expansion and the provision of new electricity connections to 2.86 crore households, has contributed to the growth of India’s power generation capacity.

Singh emphasized the steps taken to meet the increasing power demand, highlighting the anticipated capacity addition between 2023-32, including thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy capacities.

India has committed to surpassing 500,000 MW of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity generation capacity by 2030, with ongoing efforts to integrate 179,000 MW of non-fossil fuel generation capacity.

In the efforts to make the power sector financially viable, AT&C losses have reduced from 22.62 percent in 2013-14 to 15.41 percent in 2022-23. Current payments to Gencos are up-to-date, and legacy dues have decreased from INR 1.35 lakh crore to INR 6,000 crore. The subsidy payment to DISCOMS is on track with the subsidies announced by state governments.

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Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy

India

Energy demand

Energy consumption

Electricity generation capacity

Electricity connections

Renewable energy