Government weighs measures to ensure 24x7 power

The government is considering ways to bind power distribution companies to supply electricity round the clock, without resorting to load shedding.

Bringing about changes to the Electricity Act of 2003 or the recently amended national tariff policy are among the ways being looked at to ensure this, a government official said.

“The options have to be within the legal framework. We are looking at various options including punitive actions, consumer empowerment and incentivising states.”

On Monday, power and renewable energy minister RK Singh said the government would move towards ensuring 24x7 electricity supply. “We will electrify all villages by December 2017 and all households by December 2018. The next target will be 24x7, reliable and quality supply of power. There will be no more load shedding,” the minister said on the sidelines of an event to launch the Saubhagya scheme for household electrification.

“After taking charge, I have told my officials to look into ways through which we can push distribution companies to supply continuous power,” Singh said. The government is considering if a provision for ensuring 24x7 power supply can be made.

“Amending the national tariff policy is easier than amending the Electricity Act, but legality of the same needs to be checked,” the official said.

According to the power ministry’s Urjaindia portal, India faced 10 hours of power cuts on August 27, and the average number of power outages was 15.5. Sikkim ranked the best state with just 15 minutes of power outage.