M.V. Mourya
Hyderabad, November 15: The recent claim that Telangana leads the nation in per capita electricity consumption has been debunked by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in its latest annual report (2023). Contrary to the government’s assertion, the report reveals that Telangana stands at the 10th position in per capita electricity consumption.
According to the CEA report, Goa secures the top spot with 3736 units, followed by Punjab at 2350 units, and Orissa at 2264 units. Telangana falls behind six states and three Union Territories, including Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, in terms of per capita electricity consumption.
The Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) highlighted that the government’s claim of being the “number one” in per capita electricity consumption is inconsistent with the CEA findings. The CEA’s report also challenges the narrative of Telangana’s superior growth rate in electricity consumption compared to the united state, indicating a more complex scenario.
While acknowledging an improvement in power supply in Telangana since its formation in 2014, the report underscores that this improvement is not exclusive to the state. Nationally, power supply has seen enhancements with the completion of ongoing power projects and improved coal supply.
The CEA report refutes the notion that Telangana has become the “number one” in the country, attributing such claims to incomplete power projects and mounting debts incurred by distribution companies (discoms).
Wide Disparities in Per Capita Electricity Consumption Across Indian States/UTs
In a recent study on electricity consumption across Indian states and union territories, a significant shift in per capita usage positions has been observed, bringing attention to the dynamic landscape of energy consumption. Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which previously held the top position, now leads the list with a substantial per capita consumption of 12,250 units, marking it as the highest in the country.
Notably, Telangana has experienced a notable decline in its ranking, transitioning from the number one position to the tenth spot with a per capita consumption of 2,126 units. This shift underscores the changing energy dynamics in the region.
Diu & Damon, following closely, secured the second position with 5,914 units, showcasing a noticeable contrast. The southern state of Goa now holds the third position with 3,736 units, revealing the evolving patterns in energy consumption.
Punjab, which was previously in the lower half, has ascended to the fourth position with 2,350 units per capita. Meanwhile, Odisha, Gujarat, and Chattisgarh are positioned at fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively, with per capita consumption figures of 2,264, 2,239, and 2,211 units.
Haryana, Puducherry, and the aforementioned Telangana round off the top ten with per capita electricity consumption ranging from 2,186 to 2,126 units. These noteworthy changes in rankings prompt discussions on the factors influencing energy consumption patterns and the need for region-specific strategies to ensure sustainable practices in the country.
The per capita electricity consumption rankings by the CEA are as follows:
- Dadra Nagar Haveli (12250) – Union Territory
- Diu & Damon (5914) – Union Territor
- Goa (3736)
- Punjab (2350)
- Orissa (2264)
- Gujarat (2239)
- Chhattisgarh (2211)
- Haryana (2186)
- Puducherry (2138) – Union Territory
- Telangana (2126)
The discrepancies in the government’s claims and the CEA report bring to light the importance of accurate and transparent information regarding the state’s electricity consumption for informed public discourse.
