New Delhi : After collapse of grid in Delhi in May 2014 leading to frequent power cuts, Central government acted decisively to restore power lines and provide power to all homes. To upgrade Delhi’s collapsing power infrastructure, the government prepared a short term and medium term plan to ensure such crises do not occur in future. Projects worth ~Rs. 7,791 crores are already underway for comprehensive upgradation of power systems. Key initiatives:
Bringing more transmission lines to the Capital – four 400/220kV GIS Substations with 4×500 MVA capacity at Rajghat, Tuglakabad, Karampura and Papankalan-I with associated 400KV transmission network in and around Delhi is being established to provide a more robust, reliable and secure transmission infrastructure to bring in ~7,400 MW of power to Delhi.
Rigorous checking of health of existing transmission lines/substations is underway, in particular for critically loaded ones, to avoid tripping.
Underground cabling, particularly in high-density areas and tourist spots.
Extensive replacement by smart meters to stop wrongful billing.
Emergency response systems for prompt restoration.
In addition, projects worth Rs. 317 crores under the newly launched Integrated Power Development Scheme, in Delhi, for reduction of losses by augmenting subtransmission & distribution infrastructure and IT implementation for better customer service.
Amendments in the Electricity Act introduced in Parliament for providing choice to consumers to select their electricity suppliers.
Just like mobile phones, customers will have the “power to choose” their preferred electricity supplier for lower cost, assured power supply and better customer service. They will also have the “power to change” their electricity supplier, if dissatisfied with performance or billing.
This will ensure more competition – Sasti Bijli, Achchi Bijli, Poori Bijli.
Other measures to reduce power cost for Delhi’s customers:
Subsidy of Rs. 1.20 per unit for consumers upto 200 units and 80 paisa per unit for consumers between 200-400 units granted for the full year.
Rs. 200 crores announced in budget already transferred to Delhi Government, to assist in the scheme for power upgradation reducing the consumers’ burden.Over Rs. 700 crores saved by more efficient purchase of cheaper electricity and cancellation of high cost contracts entered into by previous government.
National launch of LED and energy conservation mission by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji: 1 crore bulbs in Delhi will be replaced with LED within one year. Similar replacement program of 500,000 street lights of Delhi in one year too. Anticipated savings of over Rs. 2,000 crores in 7 years will be passed on to the consumers:
Consumers will not be burdened at all since investments for LED conversion will be entirely funded by savings.
Better lighting because of LED, apart from financial and energy savings, will also ensure several other benefits:
Safety & security of women.
Small businessmen can keep their stores open for longer.
Lesser road accidents and easier traffic flow.
Environmental protection and reduction of CO2 emissions by reducing power consumed.