Ranchi: On account of the estimated increase in power consumption in the state in the coming 10 years the Jharkhand government has decided to ramp up the electricity power supply in the state. According to an official statement, the government is in the process of finalizing pacts with several power producers for sourcing 3,040 MW of electricity.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a meeting with the officials of the Energy Department where he exhorted on the need for ramping up the production of electricity while keeping it in sync with the assessed future demand. He also directed the officials to ensure an uninterrupted and quality power supply. He asked for concrete measures to be taken to achieve these objectives.
The current power demand in the state stands at 2,050 MW and is likely to grow to 3,440 MW in the next 10 years. According to the official statement, “The process of signing agreements with authorities of power plants installed in the state is in the final stage. Under this, 500 MW will be available from North Karanpura, 2,040 MW from PVUNL, 100 MW from floating solar, and 400 MW from Adani Power.”
The statement further said that pre-paid smart meters are to be installed in the urban areas of Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad. A total of 6.5 lakh smart meters are to be bought, the process for which is ongoing. The statement also said that there are an estimated 15 lakh customers in the state without any meter or with faulty meter.
The Energy Department has set itself a target to reduce the transmission and distribution loss from the current 45 percent to 20 percent in the near future.
