Frequent Power Cuts in India

Electric energy occupies the top grade in energy hierarchy. It finds innumerable uses in home, industry, agriculture and even in transport. The fact that electricity can be transported practically instantaneously, almost pollution-free, at the consumer level and that its use can be controlled very easily, makes it very attractive as compared to other form of energy.

The per capita consumption of electricity in any country is; index of the standard of living of the people in that country. As per the latest figures, the annual per capita consumption of electrical energy in some of the countries is: USA—11,700 kwhr, Canada—16,100 kwl Japan—6,900 kwhr, UK-4,200 kwhr, Russia-5,100 kwhr and India - 400 kwhr.

The electric energy demand in India during the past 20 years was higher than the gross generation as a result of which there were massive power-cuts. It has been estimated that an investment of about Rs. 3, 00, 00 crore would be needed in India in the next decade to add new generating capacity for keeping a balance between supply and demand.

Indian energy scenario today is dominated by feelings of discomfort and despair regarding the abysmally poor supply of power in most parts of the country. There are several issues that characterize India's energy scenario today. These can be briefly listed as follows:

The present installed capacity in our country is about 93,000 MW (1998-99) and the largest share in power generation is contributed by thermal power plants, which account for about 78.7 percent of the total power generated in country. Hydel power contributes about 18.5 percent while nuclear power accounts for only 2.7 percent. The rest being accounted for by diesel, wind, solar and gas plants.

Against the present installed power capacity of about 93,000 MW, the power actually available for transmission is about 54,000 MW. After theft and pilferage, power available for consumption at the final stage is less than 32,000 MW. This means only 35 percent of...