TRANSMISSION SECTOR IN INDIA – Regulatory and Policy Framework
Important Points to be Considered (Abstract)-
. Why Electricity is backbone of India’s economy and how efficient and extensive grid to transmit the electricity can be ensured?
. Electricity- Concurrent Subject in India, Importance of Electricity Development Projects and Finances and the Bodies responsible for the Development of Electricity Sector
. Five Electrical Regions of the Country- Northern (NR), Eastern (ER), Western (WR), Southern (SR), North Eastern (NER), Central Grid, HVDC Links
. Legislations governing the Transmission Sector in India, Growth of the Transmission Sector through Provision of Supply of Electricity, Main Amendments of the Indian Electricity Supply Act
. Section 164 of the Electricity Act of 2003, between 1983 and 2005- Overall Electricity Consumption increased although the Share of Rural Households dependent on Biomass remained almost perfectly constant
. Centralization of Power over Land Use has clearly not met its Stated Objectives. Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) need to be seen necessarily as two sides of the same coin R&R must always, in each instance, necessarily follow upon acquisition [1]of land. Not combining the two R&R and land acquisition within one law, risks neglect of R&R
- Introduction
Electricity is the backbone of modern civilization and therefore access to electricity forms an important part of a nation’s vision. India too hopes to achieve electricity for all soon (initial target was 2013); however, this requires an efficient and extensive grid to transmit the electricity that is produced.
The Indian economy until 1991 did not invite private participation in the transmission sector.
Yet, now it is the private sector that is increasingly bringing in the investment required post the New Economic Policy of 1991 and especially after unbundling under the Electricity Act of 2003.
However, issues of land acquisition and compensation have been creating political fault lines in the country apart from making execution of projects a unstructured and tedious affair creating financial losses.
Growing Indian economy needs massive energy inputs. And without a secure and extensive transmission network these inputs will often be lost. India will also be unable to honour its commitment to rural electrification and reduction in energy poverty
But, it is often this rural poor for whom last mile connectivity is established that often also become the project affected people.
Therefore, transmission projects have to be carefully evaluated. The legislations governing this sector are able to strike the balance between growth and sustainability and lead India on a path of development.
[1]Power Grid https://www.powergrid.in Salient Features of the Electricity Act, 2003
Ministry of Power https://powerin.gov.in Statutory-Bodies- Government of India