Anticipated power supply position of India during 2011-12

Being the world’s 5^th largest energy consumer, India accounts for around four percent of the global energy consumption. Although, energy is not the only parameter in contributing economic growth but it is one of the top requirements.   We can’t imagine a world without electricity and it has now become an integral part of our life. Rapid economic growth has created a growing need for ensuring reliable, round the clock supply of electricity. By the year 2011, the installed power generation capacity of India is around 181 GW against the per capita energy consumption of around 704 kWh in 2008-09 (592 kWh in 2003-04, CEA).  Coal has a dominant position in energy profile of India. (Know more about Indian Electricity scenario)

The annual Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) for the year 2011-12 is published by the Central Electricity Authority towards fulfilment of its obligations under section 73(a) of Indian Electricity Act 2003. As per the report, anticipated power supply position in the Country during the year 2011-12 has been estimated.

Following table shows the projections of Indian electricity supply and demand in the country during 2011-12.

Report anticipated that the energy and peaking shortage in the country would be 10.3% and 12.9% respectively. The peaking shortage would prevail in all the regions varying from 5.9% in the North-Eastern region to 14.5% in the Southern Region. All regions would face energy shortage varying from 0.3% in the North-Eastern region to 11.0% in the Western region.

Last year (2010-11) electricity demand-supply data

Year 2010-11 shows increased energy demand as compared to the previous year. The total ex-bus (Ex-bus energy is the foreseen/expected total energy from the generating plant) energy availability increased by 5.6% over the previous year.  As per the CEA statistics, the energy requirement registered a growth of 3.7% during the year and Peak demand registered a growth of 2.6%. The shortage conditions prevailed in the Country both in terms of energy and peaking availability as given below in the following graph.

India’s power sector continues to play an important role in country’s overall development. CEA statistics predict energy shortages in subsequent years and the country therefore needs to display a strong intention to develop alternative sources of energy. This is the right time to think on it otherwise India may stray behind and the economic growth will also be hit.

Reference: The annual Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) for the year 2011-12, CEA