Status and Trends in Production and Consumption of Electricity in Gujarat

India is the world’s fifth largest electricity generator with total installed capacity of 2,28,722 MW. India’s energy electricity has been growing rapidly in the last two decades. This demand has been boosted by industrial growth as well as a rise in household consumption. On the other hand, supply of energy too has grown but has been outstripped by demand. India derives most of its electricity from fossil fuels; primarily from coal. The state of Gujarat is on second position with 26,126 MW of installed electricity generation capacity followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The power situation in India is characterized by demand in excess of supply, high transmission and Distribution losses, peak demand and energy shortages, low plant load factors and decreasing availability of best quality fuel to run the power plants. However, over the last few years, Gujarat has successfully crossed all these barriers. Gujarat has become successful in securing its overall energy requirements with installed power generation capacity of 23,927 MW (as of Aug 2012). Power is one of the basic infrastructures necessary for the Industries and socio economic development in the State. Installed capacity of the State has increased from 315 MW in 1960-61 to 13144 MW in 2010-2011. Per capita consumption of power in the State of Gujarat in 2009-10 was 1491 Units (as per CEA revised formula). In the context of above fact, present paper intends to present the situation of electricity generation, consumption and distribution in Gujarat. Paper also takes the stock of power sector over a period of time in terms of growth in installed capacity, generation and consumption of electricity in state.