Coal news and updates

India’s T&D losses likely to be 18.89% in 2016-17

July 25: As per information furnished by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in its 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS), India’s transmission and distribution losses (T&D losses) are likely to be 18.89% at an all-India level by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2016-17), Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge), said in a statement. 

Earlier, in another statement on July 15, 2014, the minister said that about 23% of the power is wasted in the country during transmission and distribution. As per the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA’s) report, transmission and distribution losses in the country for the year 2012-13 stood at 23.04% (provisional). 

“With the aim of reducing the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, the Government of India assists the state governments through its scheme, Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) for upgradation, augmentation and strengthening of electrical infrastructure,” the minister said.

The minister further stated that the World Bank has submitted a report titled “More Power to India: The Challenge of Distribution” to the Government of India, which highlights improvement required in the distribution system.

Meanwhile, the minister said the ministry has under undertaken several plans to increase power production which includes:

• Acceleration in generation capacity-addition during the 12th Plan, with a proposed target of 88,537 MW from conventional sources and 30,000 MW from renewable energy sources.
• Undertaking a massive programme for strengthening of inter-state and inter-regional transmission capacity for evacuation of power.
• A new scheme has been announced in this year’s Budget for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders.
• Expeditiously resolving issues relating to environmental and forest clearances for power projects under implementation.
• Bridging the gap of indigenous coal availability through coal imports for increased generation by thermal plants.

Promoting energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand-side management measures.