Lucknow: Electricity production and distribution pose a challenge in Uttar Pradesh, with a huge population of 24 crores, but the Yogi government not only prioritized electricity generation but also improved the distribution system, connected scores of people who were deprived of electricity with power, along with establishing numerous new power plants.
According to the available statistics, a total of 1.58 crore new electricity connections have been provided under the “Power for All” initiative in the state. Besides, 1.21 lakh houses have been electrified. Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh has secured the top position nationwide, with a total of 62.18 lakh electricity connections provided under the Saubhagya Yojana.
Special focus on solar energy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s special emphasis is on fulfilling the electricity needs of the state through solar energy. For this, while Ayodhya is being developed as the model of the first solar city, the process of developing Bundelkhand Expressway as a ‘Solar Expressway’ is also progressing quickly.
Moreover, efforts are underway to provide solar-powered lighting to 250 remote villages in 10 districts across the state. Similarly, under Saubhagya Yojana, 53,354 solar power pack plants have been installed in the state so far. Under the Solar Park Scheme, a 365 MW capacity solar park is being developed in the state. Furthermore, more than 21,000 public streetlights are now equipped with solar light systems.
Electricity rates have not increased for four consecutive years
To cater to the electricity requirements of over 3.32 crore consumers in the state, the government has increased the power generation capacity to 30,462 MW. Additionally, the Yogi government has undertaken a substantial effort to curb electricity theft by implementing the widespread installation of meters on previously unmetered premises. As of now, more than 8 lakh unmetered locations across the state have been equipped with meters.
The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to enhancing services for electricity consumers. A remarkable achievement has been made with the resolution of over 3 lakh 61 thousand complaints via the SAMBHAV portal. Furthermore, the government has implemented the Citizen’s Charter in the Electricity Department, which has a provision for compensation to the consumer if the complaints are not resolved within the stipulated time.
The Yogi government has taken significant steps to enhance power distribution, including installing approximately 16 lakh new transformers for greater efficiency. Notably, the Chief Minister has issued directives to replace faulty transformers within 24-hours. Furthermore, the government has laid special emphasis on reducing line losses, from 22 per cent to 17 per cent in the state.
The state government is rapidly establishing new power sub-stations while the capacity of old sub-stations is also being increased. 738 new sub-stations of 33/11 KV have been established while the capacity of 1,482 sub-stations has been enhanced. Despite all this, there has been no increase in electricity rates for four consecutive years.
