Bihar has set a new milestone in the realm of electricity as it witnesses a remarkable surge in power generation. The state has nearly doubled its electricity transmission capacity, reaching an impressive 14,024 megawatts, compared to a mere 2,000 megawatts in 2012. Last year alone, the companies invested in expanding the transmission capacity by 14,024 megawatts, showcasing a sevenfold increase over the past 11 years.
With a maximum supply of 7,576 megawatts, Bihar has substantially improved its power infrastructure, providing a significant boost to the state’s power grid. In 2012, the state had a meager capacity of just 2,000 megawatts, illustrating the substantial progress made over the past decade.
Surge in Consumer Base: Bihar Powers Homes at Unprecedented Scale
The number of electricity consumers in Bihar has skyrocketed, surging from 38 lakhs to a staggering 1.9 crores in the last 11 years. This surge is attributed to the success of the ‘Electricity for Every Home’ initiative, propelling Bihar to the second position in domestic electricity consumption across the nation.
Year | 2012 | 2023
—|—|—
Grid | 83 | 164
Transmission Capacity (Megawatts) | 2000 | 14024
Maximum Supply (Megawatts) | 1802 | 7576
Power Substations | 545 | 1236
Consumers (in lakhs) | 38 | 190
Bihar Ranks Third in Domestic Electricity Consumption
As of last October, Bihar secured the third position in domestic electricity consumption nationwide, surpassing many states. The majority of Bihar’s consumers, approximately 90%, fall under the domestic category, contributing to a spike in electricity demand during the COVID-19 lockdown, as more people utilized electronic devices at home.
Regional Disparities: Urban vs. Rural Electricity Consumption
While urban areas in North Bihar constitute only 16% of consumers, the figure rises to 29% in South Bihar. In contrast, rural areas in North Bihar have 84% consumers, with South Bihar at 71%. Industrial connections reflect a minimal share, with 0.6% in North Bihar and 1% in South Bihar.
Agricultural Connections: South Bihar Takes the Lead
In the agricultural sector, South Bihar surpasses North Bihar with 4.4% connections compared to 1.1%. Overall, Bihar anticipates an annual increase of approximately six lakhs in electricity consumers, with an expected two crore consumers by March 2025.
Financial Turnaround: Reduced Losses for Power Companies
Over the past four years, Bihar’s power companies have successfully reduced their losses by 11%. The technical and commercial losses, standing at 35% in the financial year 2020, have now decreased to 24% in the year 2023. This financial turnaround has elevated the status of Bihar’s power distribution companies, reflecting in improved categories.
In 2022, SBPDCL moved from D category to B+ category, and NBPDCL shifted from C+ to B category in 2023. This strategic reduction in losses has resulted in a notable financial gain, with the power companies collectively achieving a profit of INR 215 crores for the first time.
