Indian Power Sector : The Need for Demand and Supply Convergence

Globally power is one of the major catalysts for economic development and for strengthening the infrastructure, besides being a basic human need. India’s installed capacity was around 100,000 MW by the 9th Five Year Plan (FYP) (end of 2003). Power deficit was at 7-9% and peak deficit1 at 15-18%. India’s per capita power consumption was 704 kWh in 2007-08, which was much below the world average of around 2600 kWh (2005). The Power Ministry aims to provide 1000 kWh for the per capita consumption by 2012. A dismal 43% of the population has access to power. The main challenge is to reduce the demand and supply gap of power