India Advances Initiatives to Ensure Uninterrupted Power Supply Across the Country

The Government of India has outlined significant steps to achieve uninterrupted electricity supply across the country, highlighting improvements in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. The update was provided by Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.

Electricity being a concurrent subject, the supply and distribution of power fall under the purview of state governments and respective distribution utilities. As per Rule 10 of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, distribution licensees are required to supply 24×7 power to all consumers, with possible exemptions for certain categories.

Key Developments in Power Sector

• Generation Capacity Expansion: Since 2014, India has added 2,96,388 MW of generation capacity, raising the total installed capacity to 5,20,511 MW as of January 2026, moving the country from power deficit to surplus.
• Transmission Infrastructure: 2,12,325 circuit km of transmission lines, 8,98,375 MVA transformation capacity, and 84,390 MW of inter-regional capacity have been added since 2014.
• Distribution Sector Upgrades: Under DDUGJY, SAUBHAGYA, and IPDS schemes, projects worth ₹1.85 lakh crore were executed, adding 2,927 new substations, upgrading 3,965 existing substations, installing 6,96,302 distribution transformers, separating 7,833 mixed load feeders, and adding/upgrading 8.4 lakh circuit km of HT/LT lines.
• Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): Launched in 2021 to improve reliability and quality of supply, including smart metering works and loss-reduction infrastructure. As of 16 March 2026, funds released under RDSS across states total ₹36,515.88 crore, covering smart metering and infrastructure development.
• Operational Improvements: Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses fell from 21.91% in FY21 to 15.04% in FY25, while rural power supply increased from 12.5 hours (FY15) to 22.6 hours (FY25) and urban supply to 23.6 hours (FY25).
• Renewable Energy Integration: As of January 2026, India has commissioned 263 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity. The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) scheme is facilitating integration across ten states, with plans to achieve 500 GW by 2030 and 600 GW by 2032.
• Advanced Transmission and Storage: Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), STATCOM, synchronous condensers, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are being deployed for grid stability, including VGF-funded projects targeting 13,850 MWh and 30 GWh of BESS capacity.
• National Electricity Plan (NEP) Projections: By 2032, transmission networks (≥220 kV) are projected to reach 6.48 lakh circuit km, transformation capacity of 2,345 GVA, and inter-regional transmission capacity of 168 GW.

Financial and Regulatory Support

• Additional Borrowing Space: States receive extra 0.5% GSDP borrowing space conditional on reforms and utility performance.
• Prudential Norms & Tariff Rules: Loans and cost-reflective tariffs ensure financial sustainability.
• Subsidy Accounting: SOPs issued for accurate and timely subsidy payments.

The initiatives collectively aim to enhance the reliability, quality, and financial health of electricity distribution, supporting India’s transition toward a more resilient and renewable-integrated power sector.