Question : Consumption of Electricity

(a) whether the consumption of electricity has increased in the country during the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether power generation in the country is sufficient to meet the demand and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to meet the power demand;

(d) whether the Government has given approval to new power projects in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Chhattisgarh?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) : Yes, Sir. The consumption of electrical energy has increased from 12,04,697 Million Units (MU) in 2017-18 to 12,84,444 MUs in 2019-20. The peak electricity demand has also increased from 1,60,752 MW in 2017-18 to 1,89,644 MW during the current year 2020-21 (up to 31.01.2021). Inspite of COVID-19, the country has experienced the highest ever peak demand of 1,89,644 MW on 30.01.2021 showing the revival of economic growth.

(b) : Yes, Sir. The installed generation capacity is around 3,75,323 MW which is sufficient to meet the demand of electricity in the country.

(c) : Following steps are being taken to increase power production to meet the power demand in the country:

(i) Conventional power generation capacity to be commissioned by 2024-25 is at various stages of construction in the country which includes Thermal 36,765 MW, Hydro 10,164.50 MW and Nuclear 4,800 MW.

(ii) Government of India have set a target of 1,75,000 MW installed capacity from renewable sources by the end of 2021-22 which includes 1,00,000 MW from Solar, 60,000 MW from Wind, 10,000 MW from Biomass and 5,000 MW from small Hydro.

(d) & (e) : As per the Electricity Act, 2003, generation is a de-licensed activity and the investment decision for setting up of power projects is made by the concerned developers. However, the State-wise details of the new projects of the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) for which the Central Government has given investment approval are furnished at Annexure.
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