Journal of Economics and Development Studies

India’s Electricity Sector: Surging Growth, Sustainability Issues and Policy Alternatives Ahead
Dr. Sukhwinder Singh, Ms. Gurjeet Kaur

Abstract
India's surging economic growth in the post-reforms era created unprecedented demand for electricity. India has become 4th largest consumer of energy inputs in the world and a net importer of energy inputs (coal, oil, gas, uranium, etc.) and cutting-edge technology. The study unravelled that these costly imports not only raised the electricity costs, but also put pressure on India’s scarce foreign exchange; which adversely impinged her economic sovereignty. Further, most of thermal plants using fossil fuels are small-sized, used outdated technology and notorious for uncontrolled emission of harmful gases (GHG and CO2) that caused severe environment pollution in India. The study, while analysing surging gaps in the demand/supply of electricity, builds a strong case for technological up-gradation of thermal plants and greater investments in renewable energy resources. It also emphasizes upon radical reforms in India's electric sector including (i) reduction in transmission and distribution losses and theft of electricity; (ii) allow non-price initiatives to promote energy efficient equipments/appliances; and (iii) encourage investments in the R & D for bringing new innovations such as cutting-edge technology.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v7n4a7