Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed a comprehensive roadmap to shift the State from being energy-dependent to becoming an energy-surplus region. The focus is on ensuring a reliable and cost-effective electricity supply, transitioning to clean energy, and enhancing the efficiency of power sector utilities. Sarma, in a meeting with power sector stakeholders, discussed measures to bolster power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
The State government plans to list two key power utilities, Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) and Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (AGCL), on the stock exchange as part of this initiative. This move is aimed at facilitating access to capital from India’s financial markets for the future expansion and development of infrastructure by these utilities. Assam has already achieved transmission and distribution (T&D) losses of about 13%, which is below the national average, and aims to further reduce these losses to 8% through enhanced efficiency and network upgrades.
To ensure uninterrupted and affordable power supply, the government is committed to combating power theft, which is seen as a significant hurdle in improving the financial health of the power sector. Additionally, the State plans to explore increasing its pump storage project capacity to enhance energy security, balance the grid, and support the integration of renewable energy sources. Officials have been directed to accelerate ongoing power projects and assess the feasibility of establishing small hydroelectric projects in suitable locations.
These initiatives are part of Assam’s broader strategy to modernize its power sector, attract investments, ensure long-term energy sustainability, and meet the escalating electricity demand in the State.
