While the debate on securing India’s energy future is on, one issue that needs to be factored in is the huge losses sustained due to power thefts. A classic case is that of Uttar Pradesh, the biggest State and the largest consumer of power in the country.
The State is so notorious for power theft that it inspired Bollywood to make a film titled Katiyabaaz , which literally means direct tapping of electricity from live wires, a sight common in most of the cities in the State.
Loss of electricity through direct theft comprise 15 per cent of the total transmission and distribution (T&D) losses that stands at almost 30 per cent, which is one of the highest in the country. Though the State government plans to bring down total T&D losses below 15 per cent, official figures show that in last 10 years this has consistently stood between 25 and 30 per cent.
Noting that crucial years have been lost in proper planning for the power sector, All India Power Engineers Federation chairman Shailendra Dubey says lack of “political will” is the real issue. “In VVIP constituencies like Etawah, Kannauj and Rampur, over 70 per cent of the total energy being supplied is lost on account of power theft accounts…When there are such heavy losses, how will the situation improve,” asks Mr. Dubey, a retired electrical engineer.
“If the T&D losses come down to 15 per cent, the government can save Rs.13 crore per day from preventing thefts alone. Government needs to produce 70-80 per cent of power on its own through thermal, hydel and solar sources. When there are specialised government financial institutions providing funds to power sector, this is easily achievable,” Mr. Dubey says.
Perpetual shortfall The power scenario looks grim in Uttar Pradesh, as there is a perpetual shortfall of about 2,000-3,000 MW while the demand crosses 15,000 MW, one of the highest in the country. Power theft only aggravates it, while over-dependence on one source — thermal — and lack of alternatives like solar energy highlights serious lacunae in planning.
While the State government struggles to increase its production, undue delays in commissioning of new projects, under-performance of existing power stations and power theft ensures that there is a persistent shortage of power round the year. In last two decades, U.P. has seen just five new units of thermal power coming up, while the demand has grown manifold.
Government sources say there is 12-14 per cent increment in demand every year. By the end of 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017), the demand will go up to 23,000 MW, while the supply will be augmented by only 4000 MW. “Power deficit would double to 6,000 MW, but Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav talks about making U.P. a power surplus State by 2017. It would have been possible had the State government not depended fully on private players, who are lagging behind. By not penalising defaulting private companies, we are not only being soft to them, we are also hurting State’s growth,” a senior government official said.
Moreover, over-dependence on one source of power — thermal — has added to the dismal situation. While hydro power production today is merely 500 MW, the State is just a beginner when it comes to solar power. Gujarat and Rajasthan has made good progress in this field. The Chief Minister, who recently came out with a solar energy policy, is now asking domestic and foreigner players to come to Uttar Pradesh to tap the State’s potential.
