Many steps being taken to meet power supply shortage: Power Minister Piyush Goyal

NEW DELHI: The government is taking many steps to mitigate power supply shortage across the country, Parliament was informed.

"Generation capacity addition of over 88,000 MW has been targeted for 12th Plan, of which 48,000 MW has already been achieved," Power Minister Piyush Goyal informed the Rajya Sabha.

The government has approved two new schemes -- Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna and Integrated Power Development Scheme-- for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders.

"Renovation and Modernisation (R&M) of old power plants is planned by the concerned state and central power utilities for improving the plant load factor of power stations," he said.

The gap in indigenous coal supply is being met through imports for increased generation by thermal plants.

Promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand side management measures and expeditious resolution of issues relating to environmental and forest clearances are also being undertaken by the government.

The minister added that the government has taken initiative to prepare action plans for providing 24x7 power for all in partnership with the states.