Assam Spends ₹22,000 Crore on Power Procurement Over Three Years
Why in News?
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Assam’s power generation crisis has led the state government to spend nearly ₹22,877 crore on power purchase over the last three years. To address this gap, the government is now focusing on solar energy expansion, including under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Important Key Points:
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Power Generation Crisis:
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Assam’s own power generation is around 400 MW, which is far below its demand.
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Peak hour demand grew from 1,633 MW (2016-17) to 2,809 MW (2024-25) — a 75% increase.
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In 2023-24, the power requirement was 13,344 million units (MU), while own generation was only 2,046 MU.
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Power Purchases:
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Power purchase costs in three years:
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₹5,917 crore in 2021-22
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₹8,479 crore in 2022-23
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₹8,481 crore in 2023-24
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Estimated ₹8,700 crore in 2024-25
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Total approx. ₹22,877 crore spent on power purchases in three years.
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Consumer Statistics (2023-24):
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63.20 lakh domestic consumers
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3.76 lakh commercial consumers
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Solar Power Initiative:
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State targets 6,000 MW solar generation in coming years.
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Big companies already involved in solar projects.
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Plans to install solar systems in all government offices/buildings.
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Rooftop solar adoption growing under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
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