Patna, 30 November (HS). In the meeting of Forum of Regulators of Eastern State (FORNS) organized by Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) at Hotel Taj on Saturday, Energy Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal informed about the progress made in the energy sector. He said that by preparing the road map, the Chief Minister has fulfilled the dreams of energy in Bihar.
In the meeting, Pal was invited to give a presentation on the achievements made by Bihar in the energy sector. In his presentation, he said that Bihar has made great achievements in the field of energy in the last years. He said that in the light of the visionary vision of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for radical reforms in Bihar power system, a road map has been prepared, which was implemented under the supervision of Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav.
Secretary Pal said that along with providing electricity to every village and every hamlet, the Chief Minister has decided to provide electricity to ‘every house’ in the state. Its success became such an example for the entire country that the Central Government decided to implement Saubhagya Yojana in the entire country on its basis. Expressing concern over accidents caused by dilapidated wires, the Chief Minister laid the foundation of a reconducting scheme to replace it.
The Energy Secretary said that in view of the increasing power demand in the state, plans were made to strengthen the distribution and transmission system. The number of grid devices increased from 45 to 168 over the years. Similarly, there has been an unexpected increase in the length of transmission lines. A wide network of power sub-centres was created in the state. Transformers were installed in houses, streets and localities. Faulty transformers were replaced within 24 hours.
Pal said that due to strong distribution and transmission system, the maximum demand of electricity in the state increased from 1000 MW to 8005 MW. Similarly, energy consumption per year also increased by 70 units to 363 units.
Pal said in his presentation that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, farmers of the state started getting irrigation water easily and at cheap rates. For this, agricultural connections are being given on a large scale under the Mukhyamantri Krishi Sambandh Yojana and 92 percent subsidy on electricity rate is being given for agricultural work. Today the people of Bihar are getting quality electricity 22 to 24 hours. Describing solar energy as the main source of renewable energy, the Chief Minister has taken many initiatives in the state to promote it. Today, floating solar energy, solar plants on the banks of canals and roof top solar projects are being installed on a large scale in Bihar.
Pal said that a big 185 MW solar plant is being set up at Kajra in Lakhisarai district. In which the country’s largest battery solar system project is being installed.
BERC Chairman Amir Subhani, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Dr Nilesh Devre, Tata Power Sanjay Kumar Banga, PwC Padam Mishra and other dignitaries were present in the meeting.
