Struggles and Solutions: Electricity in Bihar, India

Bihar, an Indian state located in the northern region of the country, faces significant challenges in ensuring a reliable and adequate power supply. Despite being the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size and the 3rd largest by population, Bihar's power infrastructure has traditionally been incapable of meeting its residents' needs. This article delves into the energy landscape of Bihar, the challenges it faces, and the ongoing efforts to bridge the demand-supply gap.

Geographical and Demographic Context

Bihar is a region rich in history and culture. It borders several key states and countries, including Uttar Pradesh to the west, Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, and Jharkhand to the south. The state covers an extensive area of 38,202 square miles (98,940 km2) and is home to a population of over 130 million people.

Current Installed Capacity and Generation Sources

Bihar's current installed power generation capacity is 1,855.23 MW, as of December 2010. This capacity is primarily derived from:

1,661.70 MW from thermal sources, 129.43 MW from hydropower, 64.10 MW from renewable energy (mainly small hydro and biomass).

However, the situation of power availability in Bihar has long been challenging. The state's unique history and geographical constraints have significantly impacted its ability to generate and distribute electricity. The separation of Jharkhand in 2000 was a critical turning point, as most power generation plants were transferred to the newly formed state, along with rich natural resources and mining opportunities. Consequently, Bihar has become heavily dependent on the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Jharkhand Electricity Board for power supply.

Challenges and Current Situation

The power supply in Bihar faces significant shortfalls. Even under a constrained demand scenario, the state's power system can only achieve a peak of 1,500 MW, with availability at only 950 MW. This leaves a substantial demand-supply gap, which is worsened by the fact that only 52.8% of villages and 6% of households have access to electricity. Approximately 85% of the population remains without reliable access to electricity.

State Allocation and Generation

Bihar receives 1,233 MW of power from central sector projects, while the state-owned existing power stations generate only 584.6 MW. Despite some growth, the primary sources of power generation remain thermal, with only a small portion from hydropower and renewable sources.

Crucial Statistics

According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) general review of 2009, the annual per capita consumption in Bihar is only 95 units. This figure is far below the national average of 717 units. The statistics from the Energy Department of the Government of Bihar also highlight this disparity, indicating that pre-division Bihar had a per capita energy consumption of 152 units per year, which dropped to 60 units in the post-division era.

Conclusion

Bihar's journey towards achieving a stable and sustainable power supply is fraught with challenges. However, with continued efforts from both the government and private sectors, there is hope for significant improvement. The state must focus on diversifying its energy sources and improving the efficiency of existing power generation and distribution systems to meet the energy demands of its growing population.