Calls for smart grids, renewable energy options
Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday directed the Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted, quality electricity supply across Jharkhand, describing reliable power as a cornerstone of the state’s economic, industrial and social development. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry, he instructed officials to modernise the state’s power infrastructure, expand generation capacity and strengthen transmission and distribution systems through advanced technologies.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also interacted with deputy commissioners of several districts through video conferencing to review the status of electricity supply, power grid projects and district-level issues. He directed officials to resolve bottlenecks related to power transmission, grid construction and land acquisition on priority, asking departments to coordinate and clear pending issues within 10 days.
Emphasising consumer welfare, Soren instructed the department to ensure that all eligible consumers receive the benefit of the state’s 200 units of free electricity scheme in a transparent and timely manner. He also ordered the department to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and conduct awareness campaigns so that eligible households are not deprived of the scheme’s benefits.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing 24-hour uninterrupted power supply to every household, including those in remote and rural areas. He directed officials to replace burnt transformers within 24 hours and establish an effective system for the prompt resolution of power outages and consumer complaints.
In a major push towards energy security, Soren asked officials to accelerate work on hydropower, floating solar and rooftop solar projects to increase the state’s electricity generation capacity. He directed the department to assess the hydroelectric potential of reservoirs and waterfalls, including Hundru and Jonha Falls, and prepare a scientific roadmap for harnessing these resources. He also called for promoting solar farming on barren land to generate clean energy while creating an additional source of income for farmers through government procurement of solar power.
To modernise the power sector, the Chief Minister instructed officials to speed up the implementation of AI-based monitoring systems, expand the transmission network and fast-track the installation of smart meters. He said digital technologies and artificial intelligence should be used to improve monitoring of electricity supply, project execution, grievance redressal and service delivery.
The review meeting also approved plans to establish three new smart grids in Ranchi at Kusai Colony, Bariatu and Itki. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the smart grids would improve load management, enhance monitoring of the distribution system, reduce technical losses and ensure more reliable electricity supply to consumers.
Reviewing the performance of the Sikidiri Hydel Power Plant, the Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare a long-term modernisation plan, evaluate the efficiency of existing machinery and explore the adoption of advanced technologies to increase power generation while reducing water consumption and operational costs.
Highlighting the importance of adequate manpower, the Chief Minister ordered the Energy Department to expedite recruitment against vacant posts. He directed officials to fill 35 per cent of vacancies in the first phase after obtaining Cabinet approval and ensure adequate deployment of personnel not only in urban centres but also in rural and panchayat-level offices.
Reviewing the department’s future plans, Soren examined maps of the state’s transmission network, substations and grid infrastructure and directed officials to complete all public welfare-oriented projects within the prescribed timeframe. He reiterated that delivering reliable, affordable and uninterrupted electricity to every household remains one of the government’s highest priorities.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Energy Secretary K. Srinivasan, senior officials of the Energy Department and its allied corporations, along with district-level engineers and officers, attended the review meeting physically and through video conferencing.
