In a significant milestone marking a paradigm shift in India’s energy landscape, the central government announced that the nation has successfully transitioned from a power-deficit state to a power-surplus country.
Minister of State for Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, made the announcement on the floor of Parliament today while replying to supplementaries during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha. He credited the transformation to comprehensive reforms initiated in the power sector since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India is no longer struggling to meet its domestic electricity demand. Today, we are not only self-sufficient but are also in a position to supply electricity to our neighbouring nations,” Naik stated.
The Export Factor
The Minister emphasized that India’s energy security has strengthened to the point where surplus generation now allows for cross-border electricity trade. This shift, he noted, underscores the robustness of the national grid and the success of efforts to electrify every corner of the country. By exporting power, India is not only fostering diplomatic goodwill but also positioning itself as a reliable regional partner in the energy sector.
Reforms Driving the Turnaround
Detailing the journey of the last nine years, Naik highlighted that the power sector has undergone a structural overhaul. Key initiatives—including the launch of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, the Saubhagya scheme for universal household electrification, and the strengthening of transmission infrastructure—have collectively bridged the gap between supply and demand.
“The power sector plays a crucial role in strengthening the country’s economy. Our focus has been on ensuring 24x7 quality power supply for all, which is essential for industrial growth, agriculture, and the common citizen’s quality of life,” the Minister said.
The Road Ahead: Electricity Amendment Bill
Looking toward the future, Naik revealed that the government is preparing to introduce the much-anticipated Electricity Amendment Bill. He stated that the proposed legislation is designed specifically to strengthen the power distribution sector—the perennial weak link in the electricity value chain.
“The bill aims to bring financial discipline to the distribution segment. We intend to reform the DISCOMs, improve operational efficiency, and ensure consumer choice,” Naik explained.
While the Minister did not specify a timeline for the tabling of the Bill, his remarks signal that the government is moving to address long-standing issues regarding tariff rationalization, subsidy accounting, and private sector participation in distribution.
Context
India’s claim of being a power-surplus nation comes after decades of shortages, load shedding, and expensive energy imports. The government’s focus on diversifying the energy mix—including aggressive targets for solar and wind power—has contributed to this surplus. However, experts often note that while India has adequate generation capacity, challenges remain in last-mile delivery and the financial health of state-run electricity distribution companies.
Today’s statement in Parliament reaffirms the Centre’s narrative that structural reforms, rather than incremental changes, are reshaping India’s infrastructure landscape. As the country moves from managing deficits to managing surpluses, the upcoming Electricity Amendment Bill will be a critical test of the government’s ability to consolidate these gains and create a truly competitive power market.
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