India ranks 26 in ease of getting electricity
India moved up to the 26th spot in the global electricity accessibility rankings of the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index. India was at the 99th position in 2014; it jumped 73 ranks in 2016. The compounded annual growth in electricity prices in 2014-16 stood at 3.27% compared to 5.97% in 2004-14. The government's rural electrification program has contributed to the improvement.
Parameters for electricity accessibility rankings
The ranking was based on ten parameters, including the ease of getting electricity. Some other parameters were: number of procedures involved, time taken to obtain a new connection, cost for obtaining a commercial connection (up to 140KVA), and reliability of power supply.
Initiatives taken by the Centre
The Centre has taken several initiatives that have improved India's ranking for 2016. They include amendment of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations for installing transformers (up to 500KVA) on double-pole structures; waiving off electrical inspector approval for 11kV installations by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and allowing self-certification by DISCOM engineers; changing tariff regulations, rationalizing LT (low tension) tariff, and changing supply codes in Delhi.
Some administrative measures taken for better accessibility
Some of the administrative measures are: Providing online portals enabling customers to apply for connections without the need for physical documents, Reducing the procedures for the release of a new connection to only three: online application and site inspection, demand note generation (if required), and external connection and meter installation, Providing connections (up to 150KVA) within 7/15 days if there is a necessity.
Overall energy shortage comes down to 0.7%
PM Narendra Modi-led government's focused reforms over the last three years have halved the annual rate at which power prices rose. The overall power shortage has come down to 0.7% from 4.2% in 2014. The success of the government's policies became more evident when solar power tariff recently went below coal-fired power for a project at Rajasthan's Bhadla solar park.
India takes the leadership role in green energy
Power Minister Piyush Goyal delivered keynote address on 11 May at Vienna Energy Forum-2017. He said India once used to depend on what the world was doing to go green. But now, it does whatever it takes to improve pollution levels and meet climate change challenges, irrespective of what the world does. He added India's leadership in green energy would now benefit the world.
Piyush Goyal's statement
Addressing the Vienna Energy Forum, Goyal stated: "Many problems had earlier set India back for many years but now the mood has changed. India is taking rapid strides in terms of commitment and target for promoting energy conservation and efficiency."
